Beltre Shows Up For Spring Training With Injury

via The Sports Xchange

Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre showed up with a surprise injury when he reported to spring training on Friday at Surprise, Ariz.
Beltre informed the Rangers he strained his left calf while working out at his California home on Tuesday. An MRI exam confirmed the strain.
The injury is expected to sideline Beltre for three weeks.
The timetable could prohibit Beltre from playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, which begins March 9 for the Dominican team.
“I’m going to go on how I’m healing and I’m going to go on how I feel,” Beltre told reporters. “Right now, I’m not going to say I’m not going to play. I can’t say it yet.
“I’ve just got to be smart about this because there’s a lot at stake here (with the Rangers). I don’t want to rush anything. It’s too early for me to think about a decision.
“If I’m feeling 100 percent and I’m ready to play, then why not? Obviously, I’m not going to force anything. I know my main concern is getting ready for the season. We have a lot we can accomplish here.”
Beltre, 37, said he also could join the Dominican team later in the tournament if it advances.
Beltre, a four-time All-Star, batted .300 with 32 homers and 104 RBIs last season. He is 58 hits away from reaching 3,000 for his career, which began in 1998.