Berkman sits out second straight game

ARLINGTON -- Rangers manager Ron Washington didn't even check on Lance Berkman before he filled out his lineup card on Saturday. Berkman sat out his second straight game with a sore right knee, while Ian Kinsler was the club's designated hitter and Jurickson Profar started at second base.

"[Berkman] can't be sore and come in here tomorrow ready to play," Washington said. "I haven't talked to the doctors yet. He's not going to have that miraculous recovery. Tomorrow may be a different story.

Berkman injured the knee as he slipped exiting the team plane Thursday. David Murphy was also out of the lineup with Engel Beltre in center and Leonys Martin in left. Washington said he kept Sunday's day game in mind and plans to give someone the day off.

Washington could also give A.J. Pierzynski the day off Sunday. Pierzynski didn't play in Thursday's day game against the Yankees after playing Wednesday night. Pierzynski played Saturday, but Washington will leave it up to Pierzynski if he wants to play Sunday. The Rangers have an off-day Monday.

"If he wants to play, I'm going to play A.J. If he doesn't give me any hassle, I'm putting [Geovany] Soto in there," Washington said. "Knowing A.J., he'll probably want to play tomorrow because he wants to see what this heat is we've been talking about."