Adrian Beltre ‘talks his way’ back into Rangers’ lineup for ALDS Game 4

The Texas Rangers are getting one of their best players back for Game 4 of the ALDS, as they hope to wrap up their series with the Toronto Blue Jays at home. Adrian Beltre has “talked his way” into the lineup and will be batting third and playing third for the Rangers, who lead the series 2-1.

[Related: Troy Tulowitzki helps Jays stay alive with Game 3 win]

Beltre, 36, hurt his back in Game 1 of the series and limped off the field, and was even seen in tears as he left the game. Beltre wasn’t in the initial lineup for Game 4, but he was a late addition after proving to the Rangers he could play.

From Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News:

Beltre took some batting practice in the indoor batting cages and did some light running inside and then informed the Rangers he was ready to go. 

Rangers manager Jeff Banister has said throughout the series that Beltre’s one of the toughest players he’s seen and trusts his star third baseman to know whether he can play. And, of course, Monday’s game is crucial. The Rangers surprised everyone and won the first two games of the series in Toronto. The Jays won Game 3 in Arlington in convincing fashion. 

So now the Rangers look to rebound and seal their upset. Either that, or they head back to Toronto for a Game 5. Seems like a good time for Beltre’s return.

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Mike Oz is the editor of Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz