Beltre left Thursday’s AL Division Series opener in Toronto with a stiff back, and based on the pain he appeared to be in before departing the game, it’s no surprise he won’t be ready for the 12:37 p.m. ET start.
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Texas obviously will lose quite a bit with the seasoned Beltre out of the lineup, but the Rangers can at least take solace in having a game in hand on the road. With a day off Saturday, Beltre might be able to get back in the lineup when the series shifts to Arlington on Sunday.
On the Blue Jays side, Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista are in Friday’s lineup after both had to leave Game 1 early with injuries.
