No disc damage in Beltre's back; Game 3 status uncertain

There's good news and bad news for ailing slugger Adrian Beltre.

A recent MRI showed the Texas Rangers third baseman doesn't have any disc damage in his sore back, but his availability for Game 3 of the American League Division Series is still in question, reports Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

"I can't really say," Beltre said after sitting out Game 2. "It got a little better as the game went on. But I can't say if I will be ready to play or not."

A hard slide forced the four-time All-Star from Game 1 and caused him to miss Game 2 with what was diagnosed at the time as a back strain.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

"There is some improvement," manager Jeff Banister said. "I've seen him walking around; to me that's an improvement. (On Thursday) he was putting one foot in front of another, if you want to call it walking."

Beltre was excused from a team workout Saturday to rest and take medication over the next 24 hours.

Hanser Alberto has filled in at third base and delivered the game-winning hit Friday to give the Rangers a 2-0 series advantage.