Palmeiro out... For now

[miller24]

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Texas first baseman Rafael Palmeiro missed Sunday's game against Cleveland with a bruised right elbow, keeping him two home runs shy of 500.

Palmeiro was struck on the elbow by a pitch from Jake Westbrook during the Rangers' 6-5 win over the Indians on Saturday. He stayed in the game but is now hurting.

``It's very sore,'' he said. ``I just couldn't get out of the way of the pitch. I'll be fine.''

Palmeiro is on the verge of becoming the 19th player in major league history to reach 500 homers -- and the second this season. Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs connected last month in Cincinnati.

Sitting out Sunday's game produced one positive: Palmeiro can chase No. 500 at home. The Rangers open a six-game homestand Tuesday.

``I'm excited about going home,'' said Palmeiro, who hit his 400th homer at The Ballpark in Arlington on Sept. 23, 2000. ``Let's see if I can't do something there.''

[jonnyblack]

Yup, he won't be out long. He talked on espn this morning like it was no big deal. I like palmero, i hope he gets the 5 bills at home.

[HYLRedSox]

O man I just traded for Palmeiro. If he's out for an extended period of time, that would really suck. But by the sound of it he should be back soon. Thank god