For the first time since 2010, Prince Fielder is going to miss a game.
The hard-hitting first baseman has played in 162 contests the previous three regular seasons—and four of the last five—but a herniated disc in his neck will keep him out for at least the remainder of the Texas Rangers' weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram has the news:
“It’s part of what we deal with every day,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said, via The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant. “It’s been to the extreme this year, but it’s something every club has to deal with.”
Fielder, who has played 547 consecutive games, has reportedly complained about a lack of strength in his left arm for the last two weeks, which would explain his slow start at the plate.
Coming over from Detroit in the trade for Ian Kinsler this winter, the left-handed slugger is hitting just .247/.360/.360 with three home runs in 178 plate appearances.
FanGraphs' Jeff Sullivan noted a bizarre comparison between Fielder and noted speedster Billy Hamilton of the Cincinnati Reds:
Mitch Moreland, who is hitting .286/.330/.407 and slugged 23 home runs last year, will likely spend most of the time at first base in Fielder's stead. Saturday's lineup, via Sportsnet's Barry Davis, has Moreland at first, Alex Rios at DH and Michael Choice stepping in at right field.
While the Rangers clearly aren't short on hitters, they will be hoping a DL trip isn't necessary for Fielder as they attempt to keep pace in the suddenly crowded AL West.
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