Beltre, Rangers not sure if he’ll be ready for Game 3
Third baseman Adrian Beltre was out of the Texas Rangers’ starting lineup Friday for Game 2 of the American League Division Series, but that didn’t stop him from trying to talk his way into a late-game pinch-hitting appearance in the 6-4 victory in 14 innings.
Beltre, who suffered a strained lower back Thursday, was spotted hitting off a tee and trying to get loose, though manager Jeff Banister said afterward that he had no plans to use Beltre. While his attempts might be construed as an indication that he’ll be ready Sunday for Game 3, Beltre said he isn’t sure if he will be able to play.
“Today it was almost like yesterday,” said Beltre, who was injured Thursday on a first-inning slide into second base. “Might have gotten a little better as the day went on, but I can’t say I’m going to play on Sunday or not.”
Beltre did not take batting practice and was seen only briefly outside the Rangers’ clubhouse before the game. Hanser Alberto replaced Beltre, committing a second-inning error that led to an unearned run, and infielders Joey Gallo and Ed Lucas worked out with the club after arriving from Arizona after midnight Thursday.
Alberto drove in a run in the top of the second with a sacrifice fly before singling in the go-ahead run in the top of the 14th.
“He made great plays and had a terrific at-bat the last inning and won the game for us,” Beltre said.
Beltre said there is no numbness or tingling in his legs, an indication that he does not have a herniated disk. He was walking better than he did Thursday, but still not moving swiftly.
“He’s still sore, obviously still has some spasms, but our hope going forward is that he continues to get better,” manager Jeff Banister said. “He’s going to continue to get worked on, and I’m never going to count Adrian out of anything.”
Both teams will work out Saturday at Globe Life Park on a travel day between cities. Taking him off the playoff roster remains the last thing the Rangers want to do, and with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series, they have enough cushion to where they don’t necessarily have to rush him back.
“I don’t want to look at it that way,” general manager Jon Daniels said. “In the postseason, you never look at it that way.”
Toughest guy I’ve ever been around on a baseball field, so can’t count him out of anything.
Manager Jeff Banister on Adrian Beltre
Catchers Robinson Chirinos and Chris Gimenez have some experience at third base, and center fielder Delino DeShields was drafted as a third baseman.
Asked the last time he had taken a grounder at third base, Chirinos, wearing an infielder’s glove, said, “Every day.”
“We’re not out of options,” Banister said.
Hamilton sore
Left fielder Josh Hamilton was removed for defense in the ninth inning of Game 1, replaced by Will Venable as Hamilton deals with more issues with his lower left leg.
On Friday in Game 2, Hamilton played all 14 innings, going 0 for 6. Venable pinch-ran in the 11th for Prince Fielder and stayed in as DH.
Hamilton said that he has a bruise extending from his surgically repaired knee downward as the result of his running, over-the-shoulder catch last week that ended with a tumble into the wall at Globe Life Park.
He hobbled to first base on an eighth-inning grounder Thursday, but had already warned the coaching staff about his health.
Game 3 fan guide
The Rangers are encouraging the sell-out crowd for Game 3 to arrive to Globe Life Park early Sunday and to share a ride with a friend.
▪ Gates open at 4 p.m. for the 7:10 p.m. start to expedite screening at metal detectors at all gates. Also, the Cowboys play at AT&T Stadium at 3:25 p.m., so expect extra traffic.
▪ Parking lots open at 2 p.m., but parking will be limited because of the Cowboys game. The Rangers encourage fans to consider carpooling.
Jeff Wilson: 817-390-7760, @JeffWilson_FWST
This story was originally published October 9, 2015 at 3:09 PM with the headline "Beltre, Rangers not sure if he’ll be ready for Game 3."