With 19 games left and Texas facing its largest deficit for a playoff spot all season, Michael Young figured he had waited long enough to return to the Texas lineup.

Young was the designated hitter against Oakland last night. It was two weeks after the All-Star third baseman strained his left hamstring running out a grounder, and at least a few days earlier than expected.

"I woke up this morning, I just wanted to go play," Young said. "I got here a while ago, went to work and I figured I was good to go." Young, who got hurt Sept. 1, tested himself by running the bases about four hours before the game.

His return is a huge boost for the Rangers, who are trying to end a 10-year playoff drought. "I felt like I wanted to give them a lift any way I could," Young said.

The Rangers were 6-5 without Young, their longest-tenured player, but started this homestand 1-3. They entered last night's game six back of AL West-leading Los Angeles and 4 1/2 behind wild-card leader Boston.

"A day without him is enough," Marlon Byrd said. "To have him back, hopefully he goes out there and gives us the spark we need. ... We need all the help we can get, and we need wins. Michael in the lineup gives us a better chance."

New York hopes a little rest for Andy Pettitte now will go a long way toward a healthy October. Pettitte's next turn in the Yankees' rotation will be skipped because the left-hander has a tired pitching shoulder. He was slated to start tonight against Toronto. Instead, Chad Gaudin will get the ball and Pettitte will be pushed back to Monday night at the Los Angeles Angels. "I definitely don't want to be standing out on the mound in a postseason game or a game during the year that might matter a little bit more, with my arm aching a little bit."

Oft-injured Houston pitcher Mike Hampton is already out for next year. Hampton has undergone surgery for a torn left rotator cuff and other damage in his shoulder that will keep him out for the 2010 season. The 37-year-old lefty was 7-10 with a 5.30 ERA in 112 innings over 21 starts this season, his most in a year since making 29 starts in 2004 with Atlanta.

Stephen Strasburg is set to start pitching in the Florida Instructional League, a month after the No. 1 pick in the draft signed with Washington. Since agreeing to a four-year, $15.1 million contract, Strasburg has been building up his arm in workout sessions in Florida and Washington.