Hank Blalock has been scratched from his first scheduled start in the field for the Texas Rangers because of a stiff neck.
Blalock was in the lineup Monday at first base, but the Rangers announced 20 minutes before the game against Baltimore that Blalock was out. Blalock, a former two-time All-Star third baseman, is now the team's primary designated hitter. His first five starts were as the DH.
Chris Davis replaced Blalock in the lineup. Rangers manager Ron Washington had planned to give Davis, who was hitless in his 17 previous at-bats and 1-for-22 this season, the night off.
Davis hit a towering home run in his first at bat in the second inning during Monday night's game.
