SURPRISE, ARIZ. (AP) - Michael Young is leaving the Texas Rangers _ for a couple of days, anyway.
The team said Wednesday that the veteran infielder will leave spring training camp to attend to unspecified “family matters.” He is scheduled to return to camp with the AL champions on Saturday.
“He’s got a family thing he’s got to attend to,” manager Ron Washington said. “He’s ready to go. He’ll take care of that, come back and play some baseball.”
Young, who practiced Wednesday morning, wouldn’t discuss details with reporters, saying only: “Everything’s great.”
Young requested a trade last month after the team signed Adrian Beltre to a six-year, $96 million free-agent contract. The team did not make any deals and he reported to camp on time, saying he was focused on the upcoming season.
Young is the longest-tenured Ranger, going into his 11th season, as well as the team’s career hits leader and a six-time All-Star (five times at shortstop, once at third).
He moved to shortstop before the 2004 season after Alex Rodriguez was traded, then was switched to third base two years ago when the Rangers decided to promote Elvis Andrus from the minors.
He is now expected to be the team’s primary designated hitter and utility infielder with Beltre taking over at third.
NOTES: Washington said Beltre has started testing his strained right calf on a treadmill. Beltre has been hitting and fielding in full-squad workouts but had been held out of running drills due to the mild strain.
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