Delino DeShields to the d.l., Nick Gardewine up

Delino DeShields, Texas Rangers center fielder, is getting an MRI on his hand today, per the beat guys. He injured his hand last night on a swing, and while he stayed in the game, the hand was swollen today, and it sounds like he is likely going to be headed to the disabled list.

This is a predicament for the Rangers, given that they really have no viable replacement center fielder. Rule 5 pick Carlos Tocci is starting in center field today, and is at least nominally the backup right now, but while his defense gets great reviews, his bat isn’t considered to be major league caliber. Drew Robinson could end up getting the bulk of the starts in center while DeShields is out, but he’s not particularly experienced in center field.

If DeShields lands on the d.l., the Rangers would presumably call up someone like Nick Gardewine or Connor Sadzeck to fill in in the bullpen tomorrow, and then option that pitcher down when Bartolo Colon is added to the active roster on Monday. That would leave Texas with a three man bench, which had been the plan originally when Colon was added, though DeShields wasn’t expected to be the odd man out.

UPDATE -- Per Evan Grant, DeShields has a broken hamate bone. That would likely mean missing six weeks or so.

UPDATE II — The Rangers have officially placed DeShields on the 10 day disabled list with a broken hamate bone, and have recalled Nick Gardewine from AAA Round Rock.