ARLINGTON, Texas — Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton will return to the lineup today for the AL West champions, while outfielder David Murphy will be held out until the playoffs.
Murphy has a strained left groin, although an MRI shows no tear. He will be held out of the four-game regular-season finale series against the Angels but should be ready to play next week.
Hamilton has been out since breaking two ribs Sept. 4 while crashing into an outfield wall making a catch at Minnesota.
Hernandez’s season over.
Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said Felix Hernandez will not start Sunday in the regular-season finale against Oakland.
“It’s tough, because you know how competitive he is,” Zduriencik said. “He wants to pitch, but this is something that he has to understand that it’s in his long- term best interest, the organization’s best interest.”
Mauer returns to lineup.
Joe Mauer returned to Minnesota’s lineup for the first time since hurting his left knee 11 days ago.
Mauer was batting third as the designated hitter for the Twins in Thursday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Teammate Justin Morneau will miss the AL division series because of his concussion suffered July 7, but he could return if the Twins make the ALCS.
Footnotes.
Evan Longoria was held out of the Rays’ lineup for a seventh straight game because of a strained left quadriceps.
• A grievance by the players’ union to recover $3 million withheld by the Mets from injured pitcher Francisco Rodriguez will start Oct. 18.
The Associated Press
