Adduci starts over Murphy, but suffers biceps strain

ARLINGTON -- Rangers left fielder Jim Adduci left Monday night's game against the Pirates with a right biceps strain in the fifth inning.

Adduci struck out swinging against Gerrit Cole to end the inning and held his right arm on his way to the dugout. He is listed as day to day.

David Murphy replaced Adduci in left to start the sixth. Adduci was 0-for-2 with two strikeouts batting eighth in his third career start.

Adduci started in left instead of Murphy on Monday with the Rangers facing a right-hander. Both are left-handed hitters and this is the third time Adduci has started over Murphy in the last six games against a right-handed starter for the opponent.

Adduci, who was called up at the beginning of the month, went into Monday's game with three hits and a walk in nine plate appearances.

"Obviously David is struggling," manager Ron Washington said. "I just want to see what Adduci can do. He gives you a good at-bat, he can run and he can play the outfield. Today I decided to go with him and see what happens."

Murphy went into Monday's game hitting .178 over his last 19 games, and his .221 batting average is the third lowest among American League qualifiers.

"That's not going to change the amount of fight that's in me," Murphy said. "I know I might not get the amount of playing time down the stretch that I'd like, but I still feel that I can help the team and contribute when I get a chance. I'm going to keep fighting every day to find my swing and get to a point where if I am in the game and get at-bats, that those are going to be good at-bats and hopefully I'll contribute."