Adrian Beltre on the 15-day disabled list

Apr 7, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) is forced out at second base by Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Arlington, Tex – The Texas Rangers announced to day before the game that third baseman Adrian Beltre has been placed on the 15-day disabled list.

The move is made retroactive to April 9th meaning he is able to return on April 24.  That is an off day for the Rangers and will start a weekend series against the Seattle Mariners on the April 25.

Currently Kevin Kouzmanoff is holding down duties at third and has seemed to be doing well there.  Kouzmanoff played in all 27 games in spring training where he batted very well with a batting average of .370.  Also, once the season started he was with the Rangers Triple-A Round Rock team where he was batting .313.  Currently he is batting .333 with the Rangers.

The Rangers needed to make room on the roster for RHP Hector Noesi who was acquired from Seattle.

This is the first time that Adrian Beltre has been on the disabled list since 2011.  Beltre left the game early on Tuesday’s Boston Red Sox game with a tightness in his quad.  He was flew back to Dallas the following day to have an MRI done by Dr Keith Meister on his left quadriceps.

The MRI revealed a ‘Grade 1’ in Beltre’s quad.  What is a ‘Grade 1’ strain?

"“Symptoms of a grade 1 quadriceps thigh strain are not always serious enough to stop training at the time of injury. A twinge may be felt in the thigh and a general feeling of tightness. The athlete may feel mild discomfort on walking and running might be difficult. There is unlikely to be swelling. A lump or area of spasm at the site of injury may be felt.” (Sports Injury Clinic)"

Normal recovery time is about 10 to 21 days.  Beltre has been doing some leg work trying to see he’s game ready.  He as seen on the field yesterday going through some basic workouts and he wanted to get some work done today, but couldn’t since the tarp was on the field.

If you ask me, if they would let him Adrian Beltre would play.  It is a good thing the Rangers are placing him on the disabled list. The Rangers are only at game 11 of the season and can’t afford that ‘Grade 1’ strain to become anything worse before it has been allowed to heal properly.  Luckily the Rangers do have Kouzmanoff to fill in at the moment.  He’s done very well at third base and with his bat.  Granted, I’m sure I’m not the only one that misses Beltre, I can’t wait to have him back, but no need to rush things.