Rangers exit break without Berkman, Manny

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers need more offensive firepower, and they have two players who have combined for 921 Major League home runs. But neither Lance Berkman and Manny Ramirez will be on the field for the Rangers on Friday night against the Orioles.

There is also no indication when either player will be ready to help at the Major League level.

Berkman has been on the disabled list since July 7 with a strained left hip. He is eligible to come off the disabled list on Monday, but he did not participate in the Rangers' team workout at the Ballpark in Arlington on Thursday.

Berkman, who was signed to be the Rangers' primary designated hitter, is hitting .254 with 27 runs scored, six home runs and 34 RBI in 68 games this season. He has a .355 on-base percentage and a .377 slugging percentage. In addition to the hip injury, Berkman has missed games this season because of recurring problems with his right knee and lower back.

"We certainly could use one more bat in the lineup," general manager Jon Daniels said. "We have about three to four guys who haven't been going like they are capable. Lance is one of them. In his case, it's physical. We feel like we could use more offense and we feel like he could be a part of it. From a makeup standpoint, if he can do it physically, he can do it. To what degree he's limited physically, I don't know."

Ramirez was signed to a Minor League contract two weeks ago and is 9-for-30 with three home runs in eight games at Triple-A Round Rock. But he remains at Round Rock to start the second half and the Rangers have no plans at this point to bring him to the Majors.

"It's still premature," Daniels said. "From a clubhouse perspective and a teammate perspective, there have been positive reports. We knew when we signed him, we were going to give him a few weeks to let him settle in and evaluate him."