Rangers' Adrian Beltre: Not ruling out playing first round of WBC

Beltre (calf) says he is still hoping to play in the first round of the World Baseball Classic, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis:

The news is contrary to a Rangers press release which said Beltre would sit out for the first round. The slugger has a Grade 1 calf strain, but remains adamant that he could still be ready to play by Mar. 9, the Dominican Republic's first game of the tournament. Beltre has dealt with calf issues in the past, so monitor the injury closely going forward.