Delino DeShields Wrist Injury Diagnosed as Hamate Fracture, Out 4-6 Weeks

Texas Rangers center fielder Delino DeShields is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a broken hamate bone in his left hand during Friday night's home game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reported the recovery timetable Saturday.

It's an immediate setback for the Rangers offense.

DeShields, who posted a .347 on-base percentage with 29 stolen bases in 2017, was expected to serve as Texas' everyday leadoff hitter this season.

Drew Robinson could draw a majority of the starts in center for at least the next month. He'd hit lower in the lineup, however, meaning Elvis Andrus will likely return to the top of the order.

DeShields' absence will also have an impact in the field. He told Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram in January he spent much of the offseason working to improve his defense.

"I did a lot of work with my explosiveness and just building off that, helping me with my first step, changing directions with efficiency," he said.

Along with Robinson, Jurickson Profar and Carlos Tocci could see added playing time off the bench until DeShields is cleared to return.