Hunter Pence to be re-evaluated after “tightness” in hamstring

Texas Rangers outfielder and 2019 MLB All Star Game starting DH Hunter Pence felt tightness in his hamstring on his final at bat in his rehab game last night with the Frisco Roughriders, and will be re-evaluated today, per reports from the beat guys.

Pence has been on the injured list for almost two weeks after tweaking his hamstring, and the expectation was that he would be back Thursday or Friday. This latest issue, though, would seem to make it less likely he will return before Sunday, the final game before the All Star Break. That delay would also push back the time frame for the Rangers to have to make a decision about how to open up a roster spot for him.

Pence was voted the starting DH for the American League in the All Star Game, and the plans have been for him to play, though if this setback is significant, he may not. My guess is that if he at least is healthy enough to continue rehab games before Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic, he will get at bat at DH in the All Star Game and then end up being replaced.