ARLINGTON – Marlon Byrd returned to the Rangers' active roster Wednesday. The bigger issue might be how he'll return to the lineup.

Byrd began his first game back on the bench. Brandon Boggs, who came up at the end of April and hit the big leagues with a bang, was the starting left fielder.

Though Boggs has cooled off considerably – he has one hit in his last 20 at-bats – he was still hitting .271 after a 4-3 loss to Seattle. The Rangers are 11-4 with Boggs in left.

Byrd, who hit into a double play as a pinch hitter, is hitting .125 for the season. The double play with the bases loaded made Byrd 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

"We've got another quality outfielder," manager Ron Washington said. "It's good to have him back and to be able to give other guys a break. It's nice to have that many guys to work into the mix."

Byrd's return gives the Rangers four versatile outfielders. Milton Bradley remains unable to play because of a sore shoulder – he had previously been limited to designated hitter because he is still recovering from last year's knee surgery.

"I know when you are winning you don't want to mess anything up, but I don't think they brought me back to sit the bench," Byrd said. "I think they will figure out a way to get everyone at-bats."

Third baseman Travis Metcalf was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma to make room for Byrd.

Blalock begins rehab: Third baseman Hank Blalock went through a rigorous fielding workout and will join Double-A Frisco tonight to begin a rehab assignment.

Blalock has been out since April 26 with a partially torn left hamstring, an injury that was originally expected to keep him out three to six weeks. The Rangers will evaluate Blalock on Friday, but have not ruled out the possibility he could return this weekend against Houston.

Briefly: RHP Luis Mendoza left his rehab start with Oklahoma after one inning with the beginnings of a blister on his pitching hand. ... The Lone Star Series against the Astros this weekend features several promotions. On Saturday, the national anthem will be performed live via satellite from Baghdad, Iraq, by members of the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division based at Fort Hood. Following the game, Robert Earl Keen will perform. Admission is free with a game ticket. And Sunday, the club will honor public address announcer Chuck Morgan, who this season announced his 2,000th consecutive game.