Rios exits after getting hit by pitch in left quad

ARLINGTON -- With his name being prominently mentioned in trade rumors, Alex Rios was pulled out of Wednesday night's game vs. the Yankees in the fifth inning because of a bruised left quad.

Rios was hit by a pitch from New York starter Hiroki Kuroda in the third inning. He played one inning and then was taken out as a precautionary measure.

Rios continues to be a player of interest for contending teams looking to trade for offensive help before Thursday's non-waiver Trade Deadline. The Rangers continue to have discussions with other teams about both Rios and reliever Neal Cotts, and club officials said those talks could go down to the final hour.

The Orioles are among the teams that have shown interest in Cotts. The Mariners, Yankees, Giants, Royals, Indians and Reds are among teams that are looking for offensive help in the outfield. Rios went into Wednesday's game vs. the Yankees hitting .305 with four home runs and 43 RBIs.

"I don't have any reaction to all the rumors," Rios said. "There's not much to say. I'm here to play baseball and focus on what I have to do."

Rios said his preference would be to stay with the Rangers, but a trade would likely put him on a contending team with a chance to play in postseason for the first time in his career.

""It would be nice. … It's something that hasn't happened in my career, so it would be nice to experience," Rios said. "Let's see what happens. I would like to stay here, but at the same time, you have to understand the situation and a few other things. It is what it is, whatever happens, happens."

Rios has been traded twice during the season in his career, and both happened after the non-waiver Trade Deadline. The Rangers acquired him from the White Sox last season on Aug. 10.