For those of you who watched the game on Monday, you knew right away that Beltre leaving was a bad sign. Beltre is a fan loved player. He is also 39 and now has an undeniable history of hamstring issues. His left one, in particular, acted up on Monday night in the eighth inning as the Rangers were playing the Diamondbacks.
“He is going to get treatment tonight, an MRI tomorrow and then we’ll see,” general manager Jon Daniels said according to texasrangers.com
Beltre has already been on the DL twice this season with hamstring issues. This will make it three times. As a fan, it is frustrating to see the future hall of fame player go down to the same issue again. He is a joy to watch on the field. He is a team leader. He is still a great defender. He cannot, however, seem to stay on the field.
The Rangers have a big decision to make after the season is over. Do they keep the oft injured aging veteran, who clearly wants to stay here? If they decide to let him walk, fans will be very upset with the front office. He may be one of the most beloved Rangers of all time. Is it the smart move to let him go? Maybe it is, but it will not be the right move.
Beltre will have to play designated hitter a lot more if he is brought back for the 2019 season. He will have to accept that role just as Michael Young did when Daniels brought in Beltre. If Beltre can stand being relegated to that role, it would be great to have him back. If he is determined to play third, the Rangers are less than likely to bring back for another season.
The fan side of me really wants Beltre back in 2019, I hope that Monday night will not be the last time we see Beltre in a Rangers uniform on the field. The business side of me says it will be a long shot, looking at productivity alone, to justify bringing him back in 2019. I hope the fan side wins and he returns, but for now, we are done watching Adrian Beltre in 2018. Time for more young players to get more playing time!
