Daniels, Rangers don't have 'set expectations' for Manny

BALTIMORE -- The Rangers' need for a power right-handed bat comes at a time when they have one of the best ever in their own organization. But general manager Jon Daniels said that's not an option right now. Texas is not going to rush Manny Ramirez to the big leagues, even though Lance Berkman is on the disabled list with a strained left hip.

"I really don't know what to expect with Manny," Daniels said. "We don't have any set expectations. We're just going to let him play and evaluate it as it goes. Manny hasn't played at the big league level in a couple of years. We'll wait and see. We didn't sign him expecting him to be a knight in shining armor."

The Rangers signed Ramirez to a Minor League contract on July 3. Ramirez played in 49 games in Taiwan this season, but he hasn't played in the Majors since April 6, 2011. He went 1-for-6 with a single and a walk in his first two games with Triple-A Round Rock going into Tuesday night.

"If he shows he can contribute and we have a spot, we'll go down that road," Daniels said. "We have a few steps first. We have to watch him perform before we get to that step."