Growing likelihood Rangers' Lance Berkman won't return

When the Texas Rangers signed veteran slugger Lance Berkman over the offseason, they knew the injury risk he carried. They thought he'd be a worthy gamble, hoping to protect against significant ailments by using him primarily at DH. However, Berkman's been unable to avoid injuries yet again, and the possibility is growing that he will not play again this season, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. All that general manager Jon Daniels -- the man that signed Berkman in hopes of production mirroring his 2011 campaign -- has to offer regarding the veteran is that he's not close to returning. Berkman is currently dealing with hip and back injuries to go with a knee ailment that has lingered, especially after his slip while getting off a plane. At times when he was able to suit up for the Rangers this season, Berkman appeared to be a shell of himself. Over 282 plate appearances, the 37-year-old has hit .254/.355/.377 with 10 doubles and six home runs. Injuries have wiped out much of the last two seasons for Berkman, and the aging slugger is said to be considering retirement. It's not a way someone that's been as productive as Berkman should go out, but not everyone can have a storybook ending like Mariano Rivera. Follow @mlbinjurynews Looking for fantasy baseball advice?