Berkman swinging, but won't come off DL Monday

ARLINGTON -- Lance Berkman, on the disabled list with a strained left hip, is swinging again, but not at a rate that will get him back in the lineup anytime soon. Berkman is eligible to come off the disabled list on Monday, but that won't happen.

Berkman swung off a tee on Friday and said he felt "all right." The plan now is to increase his work until he feels good enough to get back into the lineup. Berkman said he doesn't see a need to go on a medical rehabilitation assignment once he is at full strength.

"I don't need to do it and I'm not going to do it," Berkman said. "I've been on plenty of rehab assignments and I can't stand them. It's a no-win situation. It won't take more than a game or two to get my timing back. It's not like I've had great timing all year. Maybe it will be right there."

Berkman, because of his service time, has a right to turn down a request to go on a rehab assignment.

"When he gets ready to play and swing the bat and is able to do things, we'll deal with that," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Just let him progress and see where it goes."