Not only did Adrian Beltre avoid the 10-day disabled list Saturday, he was put into the Texas Rangers starting lineup.
Beltre was penciled in as the third baseman and cleanup hitter — his usual spots — after showing that he could play without significant limitations on his sprained left ankle.
“I expected it would be better, but not this soon,” Beltre said. “The pain is less. The inflammation went down quicker, and I’m moving around better. I’m confident I don’t need the DL.”
Beltre originally believed he would goon the DL after the injury occurred Tuesday, when as he landed awkwardly on first base in the first inning of a game against the New York Mets.