Rangers cautious with DeShields, Hamilton

ARLINGTON -- Delino DeShields was back with the Rangers on Saturday, but was not in the lineup. But then, neither was Josh Hamilton. Both have hamstring issues the Rangers are monitoring closely.

DeShields has been on the disabled list since June 15 with a strained left hamstring. He has played six games on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock and is getting close to being ready.

"Today was a scheduled day off," manager Jeff Banister said. "He is here to work out with the team, let us lay our eyes on him, let the medical staff evaluate him and see where he is at."

DeShields had emerged as the Rangers regular left fielder before getting hurt. In 48 games, he was hitting .269 with 32 runs scored, 13 stolen bases and a .358 on-base percentage.

Hamilton is now the Rangers left fielder since coming off the disabled list. He missed a month because of a strained left hamstring, and the Rangers are still monitoring the injury. Hamilton was "sore" after coming out of Friday's game in the eighth inning.

Hamilton did not start Saturday with left-hander Hector Santiago on the mound for the Angels. Banister said it was a regularly scheduled day off and it is clear that it could take time before Hamilton is ready to play at full strength.

"I'm doing my best to figure this whole thing out with him and what is best for Josh," Banister said.

Worth noting

• Carlos Corporan was in the lineup on Saturday for the first time since Monday in Baltimore. He had been dealing with a bruised thumb on his left hand.

• Triple-A infielder Tyler Pastornicky, Double-A Frisco pitcher Jake Thompson and Class A Advanced High Desert catcher Kellin Deglan will play in the upcoming Pan-American Games. Thompson and Pastornicky will play for the United States and Deglan will play for Canada.

• Rangers long reliever Anthony Bass leads the Majors with 45 2/3 innings.