WASHINGTON -- The Rangers avoided putting third baseman Adrian Beltre on the disabled list Friday, but he was out of the lineup for the second straight game with a sprained left ankle.
The Rangers did call up Jurickson Profar to play third base and optioned left-handed reliever Dario Alvarez to Triple-A Round Rock. Alvarez could be recalled if Beltre needs to go on the disabled list later this weekend.
Beltre injured the ankle on Tuesday against the Mets when he landed awkwardly on first base. He said there has been improvement but not enough to start on Friday. He instead went through a full workout with the team before the game, and the Rangers will see how he recovers on Saturday.
"The injury could put me back on the disabled list, but it is not finalized," Beltre said. "I'm hoping to wait a couple of days and see how it feels."
Beltre realizes that would leave the Rangers with a short bench, which can be especially tough in a National League city where the designated hitter is not being used.
"I understand the whole situation," Beltre said. "I'm trying to be smart and not be selfish. They trust me. I like to play, and I want to be out there. But whatever the doctor says is final. Right now, the doctor is being flexible."
Beltre has played in just seven games since being activated off the disabled list. He missed the first two months of the season with a strained right calf muscle.
Profar was hitting .267 with 15 doubles, two home runs and 20 RBIs in 34 games at Round Rock. He began the season with the Rangers but was optioned to Round Rock on April 30 hitting .135.
"I'm playing every day and having fun," Profar said. "If I play every day, everything is going to be good."
He played almost exclusively at shortstop, which is why manager Jeff Banister wants him to play third base. Joey Gallo will continue to play at first base with Mike Napoli on the disabled list with back spasms.
"Joey has been doing a good job at first base and feels comfortable there," Banister said. "Profar has been on the left side [of the infield] down there, so we are going to keep him over there."
The Rangers had a four-man bench on Friday night with catcher Robinson Chirinos, infielder Pete Kozma, outfielder Jared Hoying and utility player Ryan Rua.
The Rangers have not ruled out the possibility of using Beltre as a pinch-hitter this weekend. Pitchers Nick Martinez and Andrew Cashner, who started on Friday, have both been used as pinch-runners before.
"We do have some pinch-running options if we need them," Banister said.
But if Beltre plays in a game and then needs to go on the disabled list, it will prevent the Rangers from backdating it to last Wednesday.