Beltre a late addition to Rangers’ Game 4 lineup

Adrian Beltre declared himself ready to play for Game 4 of the American League Division Series, and he was inserted into the Texas Rangers’ lineup Monday about an hour before first pitch.

Beltre was felled by a strained lower back in the first inning of Game 1 on Thursday. He remained in the game until the third, delivering an RBI single though unable to run to first base.

Rookie utility infielder Hanser Alberto replaced Beltre and delivered the game-winning RBI in the 14th inning Friday in Game 2, started Game 3 and was in the original lineup for Game 4.

Before the game, manager Jeff Banister said that Beltre was better but not good enough to be in the starting lineup. Beltre was receiving treatment and tried to running in a hallway next to the Rangers’ weight room.

He has a pained expression on his face as he ran.

“When Adrian tells me he’s ready to go, then obviously we’ll make that decision,” Banister said. “But, yeah, I would like to consider AB at some point.”

Catcher Robinson Chirinos said that the Rangers have missed their captain.

“He’s the leader of this club. It’s not any secret,” Chirinos said. “It’s a big difference for this team, and to not have him in the lineup is huge.”

The Rangers lead the best-of-5 series 2-1.

This story was originally published October 12, 2015 at 2:16 PM with the headline "Beltre a late addition to Rangers’ Game 4 lineup."