ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Texas Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder is sitting out at least two days because of a stiff neck, ending his consecutive games streak at 547.
Fielder received an injection on Saturday morning, and will be away from the team for that night’s game and Sunday’s contest against the Toronto Blue Jays. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said he hopes Fielder will be ready to play Tuesday night at home against Seattle.
The 30-year-old Fielder, acquired by Texas in November from Detroit, has hit at least 25 home runs in each of his eight full major league seasons. He had a high of 50 in 2007, but has struggled this season with only three homers and 16 RBI and a .247 batting average.
Daniels said the injury could be a reason for Fielder’s lack of power.
“It stands to reason it has been affecting his swing,” Daniels said. “He described it as a lack of strength in his left arm.”
Daniels said Fielder first revealed the injury a few weeks ago, and that it bothered him last season while he was with the Tigers. Daniels said neither Fielder nor Ian Kinsler, who was dealt to Detroit in the trade, took physicals as part of the transaction.
Daniels added that the type of problem Fielder is dealing with wouldn’t have shown up in a typical physical done in connection with a trade or the standard exam given to all players during spring training.
The Rangers, who already have a major league-leading 13 players on the disabled list, hope Fielder won’t need to be added to it.
Left-handed starters Martin Perez (elbow) and Matt Harrison (back) went on the DL this week and are likely lost for the season.
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