Andres Blanco (back) will undergo more medical tests when the Rangers return home Monday.

Blanco has thus far only been able to play catch, as he's still feeling pain in his back. He was diagnosed with only inflammation when he landed on the DL in early August, but he also missed time earlier this season with a stress reaction in his back. "I've just got to be patient, because something is wrong," Blanco said.

Rangers placed INF Andres Blanco on the 15-day disabled list with lower back inflammation.

Blanco went on the disabled list last month with a stress reaction in his lower back, so he's obviously not feeling any better. The 27-year-old infielder is batting just .206 with three doubles and two homers over 68 at-bats this season.

Andres Blanco was activated from the DL on Sunday July 31.

Andres Blanco (back) is expected to be activated sometime before Sunday's game.

Blanco has been on the D.L. since early July with a stress reaction in his lower back. The light hitting utilityman will return to a .233/.270/.383 line.

Andres Blanco (back) took batting practice Sunday.

Blanco has been on the disabled list since early July with a stress reaction in his lower back and is not progressing very quickly. "I could feel it some, but I didn't have a setback," Blanco said after Sunday's workout. "I feel like I'm on schedule, but I've got to get clearance from the trainer and everybody." He remains out indefinitely.

Andres Blanco (back) did not take any swings Saturday as originally scheduled.

Blanco's back is still bothering him, so the Rangers have pushed back his session with a fungo bat to Tuesday. He'll then need to take some regular swings and go through batting practice before going out on a rehab assignment. He'll also need to run the bases, as well, so he obviously still has steps to take.

Andres Blanco (back) is scheduled to take swings with a fungo bat Saturday.

Blanco was placed on the disabled list last week with a stress reaction in his lower back. He took ground balls Friday and could go out on a minor league rehab assignment as soon as next weekend if he continues to make progress.

Rangers placed INF Andres Blanco on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 7, with a stress reaction in his lower back.

There's no timetable for his return at this time. Blanco, 27, is hitting 233/.270/.383 with two homers over 65 plate appearances this season. Omar Quintanilla will take his place on the active roster.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said Andres Blanco will win a backup infield spot on the Opening Day roster.

"I know what Blanco brings and I know he will bring it again," Washington said. "Unless he gets hurt, he will be back." Blanco, acquired from the Cubs last season, hit .277/.330/.349 this past season for the American League champs. The 26-year-old offers plenty of defensive versatility.

The Rangers have informed Andres Blanco that they no longer view him as an infielder.

Texas wants Blanco to work as an outfielder and catcher in the Venezuelan winter leagues to try to earn a spot with the organization at one of those positions next season. The 26-year-old hit .277/.330/.349 this past season for the American League champions.

Andres Blanco returned to action on Wednesday September 29.

Andres Blanco left Tuesday's game against the Mariners after seven innings due to a mild sprain of his left index finger.

Blanco was 0-for-1 with a walk and a sacrifice before being replaced by Esteban German to begin the seventh. He is currently listed as day-to-day.