Broadcaster Barnett taking indefinite leave of absence

ARLINGTON -- Rangers television broadcaster Dave Barnett is taking an indefinite leave of absence from his duties and does not expect to return for the remainder of the season.

Barnett released the following statement through the Rangers:

"I want to thank everyone for your kind sentiments and words of encouragement over the last couple of weeks. It has meant a lot to me during what has been a very difficult time. Effective immediately, for health reasons I will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from my broadcasting duties that I expect to last for the remainder of the season.

"I would ask that you please respect the privacy of me and my family during this time."

Barnett has not worked since the Rangers' game on June 18 against the Padres. At one point during the eighth inning of that game, he struggled briefly with what he was trying to say. But the moment passed and he was able to finish the game. Since then, he has been undergoing medical tests and treatments for an unspecified condition.

Steve Busby has taken over the Rangers TV broadcast duties along with analyst Tom Grieve. Matt Hicks, who was broadcasting for Double-A Corpus Christi, has joined Eric Nadel in the radio booth, with Brian Dolgin resuming his duties as pregame and postgame host.