Yet another setback

Hank Blalock has suffered another setback en route to becoming the Texas Rangers' everyday first baseman, and he won't in the starting lineup when the Silver Boot Series resumes tonight in Houston.

Blalock bruised his right wrist when he dove for a ball Sunday during the second game of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma. He was not in the RedHawks' lineup Monday, and the hope is that he can play for them tonight.

No timetable has been set for Blalock's return, though his latest nick is considered minor.

He had surgery on the wrist May 30 to alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome, which first developed while he was at extended spring training on a rehab assignment for a groin injury that put him on the disabled list in April.

Also, an MRI has confirmed that Gerald Laird has a pulled hamstring, and the catcher will likely be out four to six weeks. He was injured Friday night at Washington while racing to beat out a bunt. The Rangers placed him on the disabled list Saturday and recalled Max Ramirez from Double-A Frisco.