OAKLAND -- Rangers manager Jeff Banister has returned to Texas to be with his mother, Verda, who lives in Clear Lake, outside of Houston. Bench coach Steve Buechele will manage the Rangers for the final two games against the A's.
According to the Rangers, Verda has had complications while recovering from recent surgery. No other information was available, and Banister flew back to Texas on Saturday.
Buechele has been the Rangers' bench coach the past three seasons. Prior to that, the former Texas third baseman managed six seasons in the farm system. He managed one year at Class A Advanced Bakersfield, four at Double-A Frisco and one at Triple-A Round Rock. His teams reached the postseason in four of six years.
"Our thoughts are with [Banister] and his mom right now," general manager Jon Daniels said. "Family is bigger than baseball, and he is where he needs to be. Steve and the guys will keep things moving forward until [Banister] is ready to return."