Napoli Moving With Caution In Rehab: “I Can't Afford A Setback”

Rangers’ catcher (and American League All-Star) Mike Napoli hasn’t played since August 10, and while the Rangers initially hoped that Napoli would return to action near the beginning of September, Nap’s quad issue continues to look less-than-promising as Texas enters the homestretch of the 2012 season.

Napoli was officially put on the disabled list on August 11 after the lingering pain in his quad wouldn’t subside. He needs to be able to run before he is sent on his rehab assignment, but Napoli doesn’t believe the injured quad is ready to be tested just yet.

“I want to push it, but I can’t afford a setback,” said Napoli, who has already suffered one setback during rehab, per the Dallas Morning News. “One setback and I could be done for the rest of the year. I want to get back and finish the season.”

At the time he went on the DL, Napoli was hitting .223 with 17 home runs and 40 RBIs. While these aren’t great numbers compared to a year ago, the Rangers know from experience that Napoli can turn it on in October, and that, certainly, they’re better off with him in the lineup.