Berkman hasn't talked retirement with Rangers

Published Jul. 31, 2013 4:55 p.m. ET

foxsports

ARLINGTON, Texas – The Texas Rangers didn't make any deals Wednesday but they didn't lose Lance Berkman, either.

Berkman, who has been slowed by a bad right knee and hip, hasn't made any decisions about his future and is still hoping to contribute to the club this season. He hasn't discussed retirement with general manager Jon Daniels.

"I haven't made any kind of decision," said Berkman, who hoped to hit in the batting cages Wednesday and plans to travel on the road trip. "I think physically I could probably do it. It's not a matter of not being able to go out there on the field. It's a matter of how effective I think I'll be when I get out there. To me that's where the rubber meets the road."

Berkman said he wants to do what he feels is right by the Rangers, but hasn't decided what that is yet. He didn't feel good attempting to run Tuesday.

The Rangers didn't make a trade for a bat, and there's still a chance Nelson Cruz could get suspended. That has played a role in Berkman not making a decision.

"I don't think the landscape is settled enough to make a good decision yet," he said. "If I think I can be that guy, then yeah. This isn't cut-and-dried stuff."

Berkman hasn't played since hurting his hip running to first base July 6. He said the desire to play is still there.

"The one thing about this game is no matter what you feel like off the field, no matter what you feel like in the dugout, as soon as you step in the batter's box it's a different animal," Berkman said. "You can't help but compete at your highest level. It's literally a fight for survival once you get in there."