ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -Former All-Star third baseman Hank Blalock was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday by the Texas Rangers with right shoulder inflammation, his third physical problem this season.
All-Star shortstop Michael Young did play Tuesday night against the Seattle Mariners despite a small fracture in his right ring finger. He was hurt in the first inning of Monday night’s game and the team said late Monday night that Young was expected to miss five to seven days after X-rays confirmed the fracture.
But on Tuesday, Young took batting practice and fielded ground balls before hitting second for the Rangers.
Blalock, who has been the subject of trade rumors, was scratched from Monday night’s game against Seattle with what the club announced was an upset stomach. On Tuesday, manager Ron Washington said it was his fault the team released erroneous information about Blalock to reporters at the start of Monday night’s game.
“I erred in judgment yesterday trying to protect one of my players,” Washington said. “It was something that didn’t go over good and I take the blame for that. He wasn’t happy with what I did and you can fire it on me. I’m the one that did it.”
Blalock received a text message from his mother during Monday night’s game asking him about the stomach woes, news that surprised Blalock, who said his shoulder has been hurting since a weekend road series in Oakland.
“I had a hard time getting through the game on Sunday, it (the shoulder) was hurting real bad,” Blalock said before Tuesday night’s game. “Yesterday I went out for batting practice and it kept getting worse so I had to get scratched. I hoped it would go way, but it hurt me so bad that I couldn’t play.”
Blalock had been on the disabled list for almost 12 weeks due to a torn left hamstring and after surgery to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome. He was activated July 18. During his time on the DL, Blalock learned how to play first base before being told by management to move back to third.
In May 2007, Blalock had surgery to remove a rib under his right shoulder, an injury that sidelined him for 3 1/2 months.
Texas general manager Jon Daniels said two teams have inquired about trading for Blalock. But now that Blalock is on the DL retroactive to Monday, any deal would be on hold.
“We would not trade a player we know is injured,” Daniels said.
The Rangers called up infielder Ryan Roberts from Triple-A Oklahoma. Roberts, who played 17 games for Toronto over two seasons, will be making his Rangers debut.
The Rangers transferred right-hander Jason Jennings from the 15- to the 60-day disabled list. Jennings underwent season-ending flexor tendon surgery on his right forearm on May 30.
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