ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Texas Rangers got All-Star center fielder Josh Hamilton back before the opener of a key three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night.

Hamilton was activated from the 15-day disabled list after going 4 for 27 in six minor league rehab games. He entered with a .240 batting average, six homers and 24 RBIs in 35 games.

The Rangers also optioned first baseman Chris Davis to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Davis was hitting .202 with 15 homers, 33 RBIs and a major league-worst 114 strikeouts. Hank Blalock will replace him at first after being used mostly as the designated hitter.

Texas and Los Angeles were tied for the AL West lead heading into the series.

Hamilton went on the disabled list June 2 and had abdominal surgery a week later.

Hamilton, who hit .304 with 32 homers and an AL-high 130 RBIs last season, was voted a starter for next week's All-Star game in St. Louis despite missing much of the first half due to the injuries.

CUBS SALE NEARING END: A person close to Chicago Cubs sale negotiations says Tribune Co. has reached a written agreement to sell the team, Wrigley Field and other assets to the Ricketts family for about $900 million.

The person, who spoke Monday on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been announced, says Tribune and the family of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts hammered out a deal over the weekend.

The person says the written deal is not a final agreement. It was sent to Major League Baseball for review.

The agreement comes more than five months after Tribune Co. selected the bid by the Ricketts family over two other bids for the team.