Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre Injured in Rangers Win

Sep 12, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) hits a home run during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

Adrian Beltre delivered a two-run homer against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night, but he couldn’t complete the game for the Texas Rangers. Beltre left the 5-2 victory in the fifth innings after straining his left shoulder. Beltre was replaced at third base by rookie Mike Olt, who had been on the shelf for a week with inflammation in his left heel. Olt was forced to exit two innings later after re-aggravating the injury.

Josh Hamilton also left the contest early with soreness in his right knee. Updates on all three are expected Thursday.

Obviously, losing players the caliber of Beltre and Hamilton is big news, especially if they are out for any significant length of time. The Rangers will also be without the services of set-up man Mike Adams for the next several games after Adams experienced soreness in his trapezius muscle behind his right shoulder during a short outing on Tuesday.

The Rangers hold a three game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the AL West and they have been dealing with injuries all year, but the lineup has largely remained intact. Catcher Mike Napoli, who has had a disappointing campaign, has two rehab games left before he will return to the Rangers.

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