ARLINGTON, Texas — A good day on the injury front became even better for the Texas Rangers Thursday.
The Rangers found out that the injuries to MVP candidates Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre weren't serious and would likely be out of the lineup only for a day. Then Beltre showed up, talked to manager Ron Washington and talked his way into the starting lineup at designated hitter.
"He strong-armed me," Washington joked.
It was no joking matter Wednesday when Beltre left before the fifth inning against Cleveland after hurting his left shoulder making a diving stop. An MRI revealed no structural damage and some minor inflammation.
The diagnosis was a relief to Beltre, who swatted his 31st homer Wednesday.
"I'm good," Beltre said. "He (Washington) just needed to hear I was OK, and I am OK. He assumed I wasn't going to feel good today based on what he saw last night, but today was a different day and I was a lot better.
"I was concerned (Wednesday) but I was trying to finish the game. Last night was more sore than today."
Hamilton, who also left Wednesday's game because of left knee soreness, had an injection in the knee following the game. Washington said he expects the slugger to be in Friday's lineup for the series opener against Seattle.
Washington was breathing easier after getting the medical updates, but the news wasn't all good.
Third baseman Mike Olt, who replaced Beltre before getting hurt himself, has plantar fasciitis in his right foot. He is seeing a specialist and is expected to miss at least 10 to 14 days.
Right-hander Mike Adams, who didn't throw Wednesday because of tight muscle in his right shoulder, didn't throw again Thursday.
