Berkman unlikely to return from DL when eligible

ARLINGTON -- Lance Berkman, on the disabled list with a strained left hip, is eligible to return Monday, but there is no indication that will happen. Berkman has not done any baseball activities since he last played on July 6 against the Astros.

Berkman was hoping to take some swings in the indoor cages Friday, but that would hardly put him on the fast track to be ready Monday.

"I haven't done anything on purpose because I wanted to give it a chance to calm down," Berkman said.

The Rangers will also consider asking Berkman to go on a rehab assignment to get some at-bats before he is activated. Berkman hasn't played in two weeks and was hitting .176 (13-for-74) with two home runs and six RBIs in his last 20 games.