Texas Rangers' television play-by-play man Dave Barnett has issued a statement indicating that he is taking a leave of absence which is expected to continue through the end of the season. The full statement is after the jump:

I want to thank everyone for your kind sentiments and words of encouragement over the last couple of weeks. It has meant a lot to me during what has been a very difficult time. Effective immediately, for health reasons I will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from my broadcasting duties that I expect to last for the remainder of the season.

I would ask that you please respect the privacy of me and my family during this time.

Thank you once again for your support.

Barnett was originally brought on board in 2009 to team with Eric Nadel replace Victor Rojas on the Rangers' radio broadcast. Barnett moved to the TV booth in the middle of the 2011 season to replace first-year TV play-by-play man John Rhadigan.

Barnett has not been on a broadcast since the bizarre incident in the 8th inning of the June 18, 2012, game where he started talking about a botched robbery and a runner on fifth base. Audio of that incident can be heard here.