Brian

Jordan

“I was in a lot of pain,” Jordan said. “Rounding second base, it felt like somebody shot me.” That aside, Jordan remained in the game and wants to continue to play in some capacity the rest of the year. If Texas falls out of playoff contention, expect Jordan to be shut down, but until then he will likely be in the Ranger lineup.

The Rangers are hoping he can return to the outfield by Wednesday.

Jordan is hitting .304 with three homers to McGriff’s .136. Tracy hopes the switch will leave the Dodgers less vulnerable to left-handed relief pitching late in the game by splitting up Shawn Green and McGriff, both lefties. The switch shouldn’t have too much bearing on fantasy value.

His leg is finally feeling better, and Jordan, who is always a strong finisher, hopes to capitalize on his playing time from here on in, as he is a free agent after the season, and will need to find gainful employment.

Jordan, who will continue to play against left-handed pitching, is a career .295 hitter from August to October. He will get plenty of work this week as the Rangers are scheduled to face left-handers Johan Santana and Terry Mulholland of the Twins and Erik Bedard of the Orioles.

''I feel totally different,’' Jordan said. ''I was limping through workouts at this time last year.’' The Braves might be a better team if Jordan remains limited by the knee. If he’s healthy, he’ll probably start regularly in left field.

Dr. Frank Jobe is scheduled to evaluate Jordan after he undergoes X-rays today. Jordan says the hand ''swelled up real, real quick’’ after getting hit. More will be known later today, but it sounds like Jordan owners should make other plans this week. Mike Kinkade and Daryle Ward could share left field if Jordan has to miss significant time.

The Rangers have been extra cautious with Jordan this spring, but it still doesn’t appear that he’ll be 100 percent for Opening Day. Jordan said his main goal is to play in the Rangers’ final three exhibition games, starting next Thursday.

If the Rangers are concerned that Jordan might miss all of April, they might sign Bubba Trammell or Gary Matthews Jr. They’d prefer not to carry Ramon Nivar as a part-time player for any length of time.

That’s good news for the Rangers, but there’s still some concern that Jordan may open the season on the DL.