Delino DeShields leaves game with knee sprain

Texas Rangers outfielder Delino DeShields was lifted from today's game in the top of the seventh inning after injuring himself sliding into third base on an attempted steal of third.  It wasn't immediately clear what the injury was, but DeShields had to be helped off the field by the trainer.

The loss of DeShields for any significant length of time would be a significant blow for the Rangers...DeShields is the team's starting center fielder, with Drew Stubbs and Ryan Strausborger as the current backups.  Leonys Martin is currently on the AAA disabled list, having undergone surgery on his hand in late August, and is not expected to be able to hit until the end of this month, although he could play in the field and pinch run before that time.  If DeShields is going to miss time, the Rangers may look at bringing Leonys back up to give them a defensive replacement option out there.

DeShields was called out on the two out steal attempt, and while the Rangers challenged the call (and the replay looked like DeShields beat the tag), the replay officials confirmed he was out.

UPDATE -- Per John Blake on Twitter, DeShields has a mild left knee sprain, and is day-to-day.