Beltre resting; Game 3 status undecided
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers, holding a 2-0 lead over the Blue Jays in the best-of-five American League Division Series, worked out on Saturday at Globe Life Park, but third baseman Adrian Beltre was excused from attending.
Beltre is sidelined with a strained lower back and was told to stay home while receiving rest and medication. The Rangers will wait to see how he responds to treatment before determining whether he can play in Game 3 on tonight (8 p.m. ET, FOX Sports 1/Sportsnet).
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"I've talked to our training staff," manager Jeff Banister said. "The report is that he's day to day. Has made some improvement, continues to get better. We felt like the best thing for him to do is rest and get the treatments that are needed. You can never count Adrian out of anything. Where I think he is right now is probably irrelevant. ... I'll rely on Adrian and our medical staff to give me their best assessment on where he's at going forward."
Beltre injured his back trying to break up a double play in Game 1 on Thursday and had to leave the game in the third inning. He did not play on Friday. The Rangers could replace him on the roster but, according to postseason rules, Beltre would have to sit out the AL Championship Series as well if the Rangers advance.
Hanser Alberto played third base in Game 2, leaving the Rangers without a backup utility infielder. Joey Gallo and Ed Lucas are both here in case the Rangers decide to make a roster move.
Video: TEX@TOR Gm1: Beltre exits with injury after slide
Worth noting
• Keone Kela, who is 22 years old, earned the victory on Friday in Game 2 while LaTroy Hawkins, 42, took the loss. The 20-year age difference between winning and losing pitcher is the second largest in postseason history. In 2005, the Astros won an 18-inning game over the Braves in the NLDS with Roger Clemens, 43, getting the win and Joey Devine, 22, taking the loss.
• Delino DeShields had five hits in the first two games of the ALDS. He is the first Rangers player to open any postseason with a pair of multi-hit games.
• Robinson Chirinos is expected to start at catcher in Game 3 with Martin Perez on the mound.
• Blue Jays manager John Gibbons, on Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor: "For a second baseman, he's got a lot of sock in his bat. He's dangerous. We've got enough respect for Odor to know that he can burn you."