Washington gives Andrus game off to rest

ARLINGTON -- Rangers manager Ron Washington gave Elvis Andrus the day off on Wednesday against the Indians without objection from the shortstop.

"I must be correct because he hasn't stepped in here at all," Washington said.

Washington attempted to give Andrus a day off during the team's last homestand, but Andrus talked his way back into the lineup. He felt he could work his way out of his slump at the plate, but that didn't happen. Andrus is hitting .188 (15-of-80) in his last 20 games.

"I think last time was my last pass," Andrus said. "He knows that I need a day off. I've been playing a lot lately, and it's going to be an interesting rest of the week. I guess I got to take it today."

Andrus thinks it will be an interesting week with the Blue Jays and Athletics in town for eight games following the Indians series. While he wants to play every day, Andrus said he needs to take a day off to rest his body so he can play at a consistent level the rest of the season.

"It's going to be a great rest of the week with interesting games, and today I'm just going to take it," Andrus said. "Sometimes in the sixth or seventh inning, I always end up playing in the game, but today I'm going to take it to rest my body and get ready for the season."