Laynce

Nix

As far as next year, manager Buck Showalter said, ''We’ll see what else is available.’' If the Rangers don’t use Nix in center, they will probably move him to one of the corners and look for a center fielder who could bat leadoff.

Nix had missed the last three games with soreness and swelling at the bottom of his left foot.

The demotion of Ramon Nivar appeared to open up some at-bats, but Nix will sit most nights against lefties. Kevin Mench, Eric Young, and Gary Matthews Jr. (in the minors) are all candidates to pick up some playing time.

Nix will continue to sit against tough lefties.

Not a bad idea. Nix is probably still a year away from turning into a quality regular, but he’ll put up decent numbers while batting seventh or eighth for the Rangers this year.

Nix is worth starting in AL-only leagues. He’s got a 764 OPS with five homers in 121 at-bats.

The Rangers will likely call up Jason Conti or David Newhan to take Nix’s place on the 25-man roster. Gary Matthews Jr. and Eric Young will likely man center field while Nix recovers.

Nix will need to go out on a rehab assignment before returning to the Rangers’ lineup, so he may not be back with the big club until early next month.

Nix could return later next week.

Although Nix’s shoulder injury has been improving steadily, a return early next week may be a bit optimistic as the promising center fielder still can’t swing a bat. However, Nix is confident he will return to Rangers’ lineup before the All-Star break. We think that is a safe bet.