When he's healthy again, Saltalamacchia is expected to play winter ball as he attempts to continue his progress as a major league catcher.

Saltalamacchia left the game Monday night in the fifth inning after hurting his arm while trying to throw out Miguel Cairo on an infield single. He threw from an awkward angle, and after firing the ball wide of first base, Saltalamacchia fell to the ground in pain.

Saltalamacchia said the injury wasn't as bad as he initially feared.

"There's no ligament damage," he said. "There's a little pain. In a couple weeks I'll start doing some strengthening exercises and then I'll start throwing. Right now, I just want to get ready for winter ball."

Saltalamacchia, acquired from the Atlanta Braves in a seven-player deal on July 31, 2007, hit .253 with three homers and 26 RBIs in 61 games.

Rookie Taylor Teagarden, who hit a three-run homer after being called up earlier Monday, replaced Saltalamacchia behind the plate.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said Teagarden will split time at catcher with veteran Gerald Laird the rest of the way, news that upset Laird. Laird had been dividing the job with Saltalamacchia, and assumed that he would get the majority of the playing time now that Saltalamacchia is out.

Texas projects to have a logjam at the position next spring with Laird, Saltalamacchia, Teagarden and minor league prospect Max Ramirez, who will be brought up once Triple-A Oklahoma's playoff run ends. The Rangers received interest in their catchers from other teams at the trading deadline, and that could heat up during the winter.

"They've got to make a decision, either this September or in the offseason," Laird said. "I'm kind of tired of dealing with this stuff. They've either got to get rid of me or get rid of one of them. Just make a decision and give one of us a chance the rest of the year. ... I feel like this is my last month as a Ranger. I love it here, but I want a chance to play every day."

Washington said he's aware that Laird isn't happy with the arrangement.

"We want to get a good look at Teagarden," Washington said. Laird "expects to catch every day. But it's just not going to happen the rest of the way. I have no problem with him expressing the way he feels. It's good he got it off his chest."

The Rangers also recalled left-hander Bill White from Class-A Bakersfield. White was with the Rangers from Aug. 25-29 after his contract was purchased from Triple-A Oklahoma, throwing one scoreless inning of relief last Thursday for the Rangers against the Los Angeles Angels before being optioned to the minors.