SURPRISE, Ariz. — "It's a little weird not to have him over there messing with Elvis [Andrus]," Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo said.
And Gallo isn't the only who feels that way about now-retired Rangers legend Adrian Beltre.
"His energy is contagious," outfielder Delino DeShields said. "He walks into the clubhouse, everybody stops what they're doing."
For the first time since 2010, Beltre did not walk into the Rangers clubhouse.
Beltre played third base for the Texas Rangers from 2011 until 2018.
After a 21-year-career, the soon-to-be 40-year-old retired in November to spend more time with family.
"He taught us a lot, so we're excited to implement those things now without him," Gallo said.
The Rangers began team workouts in Surprise, Ariz., on Monday morning. and No. 29 was noticeably absent.
"He's always going to be in our hearts," Gallo said. "It's a little bit different. We got to get used to that."