Ronald Guzman leaves game with hamstring issue

Ronald Guzman, Texas Rangers first baseman, was pulled from today’s game against the Angels due to a hamstring issue. Guzman appeared to injure himself legging out a double. Asdrubal Cabrera, who was getting the day off, entered the game as a pinch runner.

Guzman had gotten off to a good start in the power department, with 4 doubles and 2 home runs so far this year, after spending the offseason and spring working on trying to tap into his power more. We shall have to wait and see what the prognosis is, but the nature of hamstring problems are such that an injured list trip seems likely.

Should Guzman need to go on the I.l., Willie Calhoun would be the obvious choice to come up. Calhoun was sent down after a strong spring because there was not a regular spot for him in the lineup. Joey Gallo would seem likely to move to first base in Guzman’s absence, with Calhoun playing left field.

UPDATE — Guzman has “tightness” in his right hamstring, per the team, and will continue to be evaluated.

With an off day Monday, the Rangers could wait until Tuesday to see how Guzman’s hamstring responds to treatment before making a move with him. That would mean either playing short handed tomorrow, or sending Kyle Bird back down for a position player for the bench tomorrow.