Rangers designated hitter Lance Berkman might come back to the roster tomorrow. Then again, he might not be back until September 1. Then again, he might not be back at all. Such is the decision facing both team and player.
About the only consensus that can be reached is that Berkman is not, nor will he be, 100 percent at any point remaining in the season.
Berkman has been on the disabled list since July 7, with left hip and right knee issues. He played four games in a rehab assignment, going 4-for-11 with a home run.
If the Rangers activate Berkman at any time before the rosters expand to 40 on September 1, they will likely have to designate infielder Adam Rosales for assignment yet again to clear roster room. They did that once already early last month, after claiming him on waivers from Oakland. The A's reclaimed him. but that only lasted a couple of days, when the Athletics placed him on waivers again, and the Rangers claimed him yet again.
At whatever point the Rangers place Berkman back on the roster, they will like use him as a part-time player, either to pinch hit off the bench or as an occasional designated hitter.
The Rangers take on Seattle again in the second game of their weekend series, tonight at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Martin Perez takes the mound for the Rangers against Felix Hernandez of the Mariners. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm on Fox Sports Southwest.
