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Rangers hope to have Bradley vs. Braves

Jun 18, 2008 - 2:33 PM Atlanta (35-37) at Texas (36-36) 8:05 pm. EDT

Arlington, Texas (Ticker) -- The Texas Rangers may be without a key cog on Wednesday when they continue a three-game interleague series with the Atlanta Braves.

Milton Bradley had a two-run single in the third inning before exiting with a slight left quadriceps strain in a 7-5 victory in Tuesday's opener. Bradley, who leads the American League with a .330 average, suffered the injury while running the bases. Bradley will be evaluated on Wednesday.

Tuesday's game marked the return of Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira, who the Rangers traded to Atlanta at the deadline last season. Now, the Rangers may be without Bradley, the man that was brought in to replace Teixeira's offensive production.

The Rangers may need Bradley to solve Braves' starter Jo-Jo Reyes (3-4, 4.42 ERA), who has allowed three runs or less in three of his last four outings. Reyes yielded two runs and five hits in eight innings of a 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.

Meanwhile, Texas hands the ball to 22-year-old Eric Hurley (0-0, 6.00), who is making his second career start. The 30th pick of the 2004 draft, Hurley allowed four runs and six hits in six innings of a 6-5 loss to Kansas City on Thursday.