Texas Rangers' Adrian Beltre Eyeing 3,000th Career Hit

Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre recorded his 2,999th career hit during Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles.

He returns to the diamond in search of another knock Sunday to become just the fifth player born outside of the United States with 3,000 career hits to his name, per ESPN Stats & Info. Ichiro Suzuki joined that group late last season. Previously, only Rafael Palmeiro (Cuba), Rod Carew (Panama) and Roberto Clemente (Puerto Rico) could claim the same.

Despite turning 38 in April, Beltre has proven he still belongs on the field. The veteran is hitting .310 with nine home runs and 36 RBI through 50 games played. Unfortunately, he's been a bright spot on an otherwise forgettable season for the Rangers.

Texas has the mentality of a selling team as the trade deadline approaches, already announcing the club is willing to part ways with ace Yu Darvish. The team owns just a 50-53 record following Saturday's loss, good for fourth in the AL West and 18 games back of the division-leading Houston Astros.

The Rangers' struggles in 2017 don't take away from Beltre's accomplishments. He's been the model of consistency and reliability throughout his career, playing in at least 111 games in every season since he became an everyday starter in 1999. An early-season calf injury has derailed any chance of that again this season, but he still has a good shot of playing at least 100 contests.

Beltre has racked up many personal accolades throughout his career, including four All-Star nominations, five Gold Gloves, two Platinum Gloves and four Silver Slugger awards. Although his name may have been debated in the past, Beltre's accomplishments and milestones—3,000 hits included—should make him a strong candidate for enshrinement in Cooperstown some day.