Jeff Banister to miss this weekend's games

Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister will miss today's game against the Oakland A's, as he has returned to Texas to be with his mother, who is ailing after complications from surgery this week, the team has announced. Banister will also miss tomorrow's contest. Steve Buechele will fill in for Banister in his absence. It remains to be seen when Banister will return to the club.

I don't know that there's much to add here as far as information or analysis. Obviously, this seems to be a serious situation, and we send positive thoughts to Banister and his family.