Berkman isn't anticipating return until Sept. 1

ARLINGTON -- Designated hitter Lance Berkman, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since July 7, said he doesn't expect to be activated until Sept. 1 when the roster is expanded. Berkman, who is dealing with inflammation in his left hip and a chronic sore right knee, said he is willing to wait that long even though he's ready to be activated now.

"In a perfect world, Sept. 1 would be tomorrow," Berkman said. "But it's not. The situation is a difficult one for the organization. The roster, the way it is configured, doesn't lend itself to a change because it would leave us short in other areas. The best thing for us is to wait until Sept. 1, unless somebody gets hurt."

Until then, Berkman will continue to work out and take batting practice with the Rangers. He is planning to travel with the club on the next road trip to Chicago and Seattle. Because Berkman is willing to wait, the Rangers can keep Adam Rosales on the roster as a utility infielder. The last time Texas designated Rosales for assignment, he was claimed by the Athletics. The Rangers reclaimed him a week later.

Berkman would likely come back in a limited role, either as a part-time designated hitter or a pinch-hitter off the bench. He is not 100 percent healthy from his various injuries and the right knee has been a problem all season.

"It's OK," Berkman said. "It's not great, but it's not going to be."

As far as how effective he'll be, Berkman said, "We'll see. Until you go out there and do it, it's hard to say. If I can help, I'm going to."