"Adrian Beltre bills himself as a second-half hitter, and his career numbers lend support to his successes after the All-Star break.

His performance over the Texas Rangers' first eight games after this season's break -- .310 average, six extra-base hits, five RBIs -- indicated that he was on his way to another second-half surge.

Beltre is hoping that he's a good second-half healer.

The third baseman suffered a Grade 1 strain of his left hamstring Friday, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, and on Monday said he hopes to be ready to go the first day he is eligible for reinstatement.

Aug. 7 can't come soon enough for a player who prides himself on his ability to stay on the field.

"I was getting into a good groove offensively, and a little groove defensively, too," Beltre said as he addressed the media for the first time since going on the DL for the fifth time in his career.

"So, I'm really bummed out this happened. I hate to be on the bench. I want to be out there with the guys."

Team doctors explained to Beltre that the injury could have been far worse, one that kept him out two to three months instead of the anticipated two to three weeks.

That's the silver lining to the injury. So far in his recovery, Beltre has been receiving various treatments in the training room. He isn't ready to run in a SwimEx pool or partake in light weightlifting.

Beltre said that the injury was similar to the one suffered by Julio Borbon in May. Borbon needed 20 days before he was ready to be activated."