The Texas Rangers may have suffered a serious loss early in Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, as star third baseman Adrian Beltre was taken out after suffering a back injury following an at-bat in the third inning.
He was not in the Rangers’ lineup for Game 2, but manager Jeff Banister hadn’t ruled the third baseman out of potentially pinch-hitting, per Jason Beck of MLB.com.
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Beltre Could ‘Barely Move’ During Game 1
Thursday, Oct. 8
Beltre was diagnosed with a back strain, per Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, who added there was no structural damage.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports noted the Rangers were astonished he was able to swing a bat and drive in a run, given his state. “Assistant GM Thad Levine guessed Beltre had one swing in him. And we saw it,” Rosenthal reported.
According to Jason Beck of MLB.com, Beltre could “barely move” as he was standing behind second base between innings at the Rogers Centre. Gordon Edes of ESPN.com noted the All-Star third baseman was emotional after he came out of the contest. Also from Edes, who cited Texas Rangers public relations man John Blake, Beltre was initially injured following a first-inning slide into second base.
Beltre lined an RBI single to center field in the third inning off Toronto starter David Price to give the Rangers a 2-0 lead, but he essentially waddled to first base because of the injury.
How Beltre’s Injury Would Impact Rangers
The Rangers have battled their way into the postseason despite injuries all year, but Beltre’s absence could be devastating if he has to miss extended time. The 36-year-old finished the season on fire, hitting 10 of his 18 home runs between August and October.
Texas does have solid depth with Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder surrounding Beltre in the lineup, but it will be impossible to replace his value offensively and defensively. Hanser Alberto stepped in for Beltre during Game 1.
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