ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Texas Rangers were awaiting the results of examinations on Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre to determine how long their two MVP candidates would be out of the lineup.
The sluggers missed the second of three games against third-place Anaheim on Wednesday, and left a gaping hole in the middle of the Rangers' lineup.Hamilton continued to be bothered by vision issues, but the problems to get his eyes to focus were not related to a sinus infection. Beltre was sacked by intestinal pain that doctors had not diagnosed.Each left Tuesday's game early, though Beltre's removal from the lineup was thought to be for rest after the Angels had pulled away to an eventual 11-3 victory.That wasn't the case, and now the Rangers are left to hope that the two main run producers in their lineup can return tonight for the finale at Angel Stadium or at the very least miss only a few games.The Rangers entered Wednesday's late game with a three-game lead in the American League West. Only 14 games are left on the schedule."You don't like to have it happen ever," general manager Jon Daniels said. "But at this time of year you have a limited backdrop on the calendar to get guys back. Every game is important all year long, but it feels more so this time of year."There's not much we can do. These guys are seeing who they need to see. We'll, hopefully, get them out there very quickly. I'm hoping that they're available tomorrow, but until we get official word, we just don't know."Hamilton saw an optometrist and an ear, nose and throat specialist to find the cause of his eye troubles. Daniels said that the club's initial diagnosis of "sinus issues" was made because Hamilton had symptoms common to sinus infections, but that has been ruled out.Manager Ron Washington said that he pulled Hamilton from the game as soon as he complained that he was having difficulty seeing, and Daniels backed the decision."Once he said that, he was no help to us," Washington said. "So I sent him upstairs ...because it's dangerous."Beltre, who lives in the Los Angeles area, saw a specialist and underwent a series of tests.Daniels said that this intestinal issue is not related to the removal of Beltre's appendix in the winter before the 2001 season.Beltre was the Rangers' designated hitter Tuesday after feeling some discomfort before the game. He was hitless in three at-bats before Geovany Soto pinch-hit in the ninth inning.Washington said that Beltre would take his at-bat, and go to the clubhouse to lie down until his next turn came around."I don't think anyone can talk Beltre out of playing," Washington said.Washington picked Michael Young to take over for Hamilton in the No. 3 spot against C.J. Wilson and for Beltre at third base. Nelson Cruz moved up one spot to fourth to replace Beltre in the lineup.The Rangers had played two games this season without Hamilton and Beltre, in early May, and lost both times.Their teammates, though, were confident going into the third game without them."I bet [Angels] pitchers are pretty happy right now, huh?" shortstop Elvis Andrus said. "We still have plenty of good hitters."Jeff Wilson, 817-390-7760Twitter: @JeffWilson_FWST
Holland helps Rangers tame Angels, increase AL West lead
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