ARLINGTON, Texas -- Third baseman Adrian Beltre again is not in the Rangers' lineup for Game 4 of the AL Division Series on Monday.
Hanser Alberto is starting at third base against the Toronto Blue Jays in Beltre's place and is batting eighth.
Rangers manager Jeff Banister says Beltre is slightly better but not ready to start. Beltre took swings in the batting cage Sunday night and received more treatment Monday. Bannister said running is probably "most problematic'' for Beltre.
Beltre hasn't played in the series since he strained his back sliding into second base during Game 1 in Toronto on Thursday and exited early.
The Rangers lead the best-of-five series two games to one after the Blue Jays won 5-1 in Sunday's Game 3 to avoid elimination.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.