Martin held out due to left wrist sprain
Rangers outfielder could be available to pinch-run or play defense
HOUSTON -- Outfielder Leonys Martin was out of the lineup on Tuesday while dealing with a sprained left wrist. He might be able to pinch-run or play defense if needed, but the Rangers don't want to push him back into the lineup.
"I didn't have him in the lineup to begin with," manager Jeff Banister said. "I felt he was going to be sore. We'll have him ready for baserunning and defense and see what the capability is for hitting as we go along."
Banister said the Rangers are hoping Martin will be ready at some point during the weekend series against the Rays at Tropicana Field. If he is not ready by then, the Rangers will consider putting him on the disabled list.
Martin injured his wrist while attempting to make a diving catch on Monday.
Worth noting:
• Outfielder Josh Hamilton did not play in an extended spring game on Tuesday. It was a planned day off and he is expected to get four at-bats in a game on Wednesday.
• Equipment manager Richard "Hoggy" Price celebrated his birthday on Tuesday.
• Entering Tuesday, Rangers starters were winless in their last 14 games. That's the longest winless stretch for the Rangers' rotation since June 1-18, 2013.