Blalock hasn't played since late April. He was first sent to the disabled list with a partially torn hamstring. After working through that, he agreed to change positions and move from third base to first. But while going through a crash course on the position, he developed soreness and the Rangers diagnosed it as carpal tunnel. Blalock first received oral anti-inflammatory medication and then an injection, but showed no significant improvement after either treatment.

Blalock was limited to just 58 games last year -- only 39 at third base -- because of thoracic outlet syndrome. He underwent surgery last May to remove a rib and improve blood flow to his right hand, but was slow in recovering. He returned to DH in September, but did not play.

He also played the bulk of the 2006 season with a sore shoulder and underwent surgery after the season to clean up debris in the joint.

Until Blalock returns, it appears the Rangers will continue to use platoons at both first and third base. Chris Shelton (vs. lefties) and Frank Catalanotto (vs. right-handers) will split time at first with Ramon Vazquez (vs. right-handers) and Travis Metcalf (vs. lefties) at third.

"We were certainly looking forward to getting his bat back in the lineup," manager Ron Washington said. "Now we have to stay status quo with what we've got and go out there and compete."

RANGERS 3, A's 1: Kevin Millwood returned from a three-week stint on the DL because of a strained groin to give the Rangers six strong innings Friday as Texas returned to .500 for the fifth time in the last two weeks. Millwood, being held to fewer than 90 pitches, made his first quality start since April 20. He held Oakland to five baserunners on 86 pitches. Outfielder Brandon Boggs, breaking from a long slump, was 3-for-3 with all three RBIs. He has 10 hits in his last 26 at-bats. The Rangers are now 5-2 against Oakland this season and 13-9 versus the West. A sweep of Oakland in this weekend series would push the Rangers past the A's into second place in the AL West.