Fielder joins Rangers to provide support

Retired designated hitter plans to be with team throughout playoffs

September 18th, 2016

ARLINGTON -- says he has a new occupation.
"I'm an Uber driver," Fielder said.
He has just two customers, his sons Jadyn and Haven, and Fielder's assignment is to drive them to their football and baseball practices. But he is also going to be around the Rangers as much as possible even though he can't be on the field.
Fielder has rejoined the Rangers this weekend after announcing on Aug. 10 that he will no longer play baseball. Fielder has undergone two surgeries in the past three years to repair a herniated disk in his neck, so his role right now with the Rangers is to give them emotional support down the stretch and into the playoffs.

"Just came back out to see the guys," Fielder said. "Whenever they're able to clinch, I'm going to come back, and then I'll be back for the whole playoffs. Right now I just came to say 'What's up.'"
Fielder will be on the bench in uniform when he is with the Rangers.
"I hope he is around as much as possible," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "His leadership, his knowledge, it's a tough presence. There is a sense of relief and of calmness having Prince in the dugout."

Rotation on hold: The Rangers' rotation remains on hold beyond pitching against the Angels on Monday and starting Tuesday. The decision yet to be announced is if or will pitch Wednesday in the finale of the three-game series against the Angels.
If Holland starts Wednesday, Hamels would be pushed back to Friday and be pitching on six days' rest. That would give him extra rest and give him time to work out any mechanical issues. He has a 10.50 ERA in his last four outings, although the Rangers have won three of those four starts.
Pushing him back and having start Saturday would also line them up better for their final two starts of the season and their first starts in the American League Division Series, which starts Oct. 6.
"All things are considered," Banister said. "It's a little bit fluid, based on our needs and how we are playing."
Holland threw a bullpen session Sunday before the Rangers' game with the Athletics.
Rangers beat 
• The home run by on Saturday night gave the Rangers 200 for the season. It's the 12th time in club history they have hit at least 200 home runs in a season. The only franchise with more is the Yankees with 16 such seasons.
• Gomez was playing center field on Saturday when he hit the home run. The Rangers now have 20 home runs from each of their three outfield positions. That's the fourth time that has happened in club history along with 1987, 2009 and 2012.
• Rangers pitchers have given up eight home runs to lead off the first inning this season, the most in club history. Darvish has allowed four of them.