Kevin

Mench

Mench is day-to-day until the swelling subsides. With Gary Matthews out of action and Eric Young playing the infield, the Rangers will likely go with an outfiled of David Dellucci, Laynce Nix and Brian Jordan for the time being.

There is no set date for Mench’s return yet.

Manager Buck Showalter said Mench will begin hitting off a tee Thursday. He’ll need another 7-10 days at least.

Mench will hit live batting practice tomorrow, when the team will get a better idea of his progression.

Jason Michaels might be a less expensive option. Kansas City doesn’t seem to be going after less established possibilities like Jonny Gomes, Xavier Nady or Michael Restovich.

Mench would only be required to sit out three games if he opens the season on the disabled list, but the Rangers currently plan to give him more time.

Mench broke his left wrist July 8 when he was hit by a pitch. If he’s healthy, he’s expected to see some playing time this winter. He’s the favorite to start in left field for the Rangers next season.

Mench went 0-for-4 Sunday and is now in a 3-for-25 slump. Still, he remains the probable left fielder. “Physically, he has answered all the challenges,” Showalter said. “Kevin is one of those guys who, statistically and in evaluating him, has a chance to take his game to another level over the course of a season. He’s one of the guys we hope can pick up the slack from the offense that we lost.” Mench isn’t a safe pick, but with his $20 upside, he’s a good risk in AL-only leagues.

Mench didn’t play winter ball because he wasn’t 100 percent, and that’s one of the reasons the Rangers plan to sign David Dellucci to compete for playing time in left field. Mench is still the far better bet for next season.

Mench is the current favorite to start in left field next season, but if the Rangers can get a decent pitcher in return for him, they’d pull the trigger and perhaps sign Ben Grieve to fill the position.