DeShields Injury a Concern for Rangers

Delino DeShields has arguably been the Texas Rangers' most pleasant surprise this year.

The Rule IV draft pick, stolen right out from under the rival Houston Astros, has been the Rangers' top rookie and has established himself as the team's starting center fielder and leadoff hitter while displacing the once-promising Leonys Martin to the minors.

On Monday, he was trying to steal third base — a move that made no sense given the fact a single scores him from second pretty much all the time — and twisted his left knee sliding into third before being tagged out. He left the field with the assistance of coaches and is considered day-to-day.

Even though the injury was termed a "minor" knee sprain, it's still a major concern for any player like DeShields, who relies so much on his speed to be a dangerous player. He's batting .256 but has a .344 on-base percentage. He also has nine triples and 22 stolen bases. He's definitely a speed player, and if you take that away, it's going to be bad.

Hope DeShields can be back in a few days, and at worst, by the time the Houston Astros come to town on Monday.

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