Lucas, Gallo join Rangers as roster backups

TORONTO -- Ed Lucas was having lunch with friends in Scottsdale, Ariz. Joey Gallo was watching the game in Surprise, but he missed the part where Adrian Beltre went down with a strained lower back in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.

"I got a text from Ryan Rua," Gallo said. "He said, 'Beltre is coming out of the game. You better get ready.'"

Video: TEX@TOR Gm1: Beltre exits with injury after slide

Lucas knew what was going on, but figured it didn't concern him.

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"I figured they would want Gallo," Lucas said.

:: ALDS: Rangers vs. Blue Jays -- Tune-in info :: The Rangers wanted both in Toronto. That's why they were in Arizona in the first place. When the regular season ended and the Rangers decided on their postseason roster, they also sent a group of players to their Arizona training facility to stay prepared in case of injury. Gallo and Lucas were among those sent there.

They flew in Wednesday, worked out Thursday morning and then got a call from Rangers traveling secretary Josh Shelton around 1:30 p.m. local time in Arizona.

"He said, 'They want you in Toronto," Gallo said.

Both had to go to their hotel and the facility to gather their gear, and then get to Sky Harbor Airport for a 4:50 flight. They arrived at the Rangers' hotel in Toronto at 1:30 a.m. ET.

They have not been added to the roster. The Rangers are still hoping Beltre can play before the series ends, although he was not in the Game 2 lineup. Should Texas take him off the ALDS roster, Beltre would be ineligible for the AL Championship Series, should the Rangers advance.

Lucas and Gallo are present in case the situation changes.

"Happy to be here, but it's an unfortunate situation for Beltre," Gallo said. "I guess it's good to have guys around just in case there is a worst-case scenario."