ARLINGTON, Texas — Hank Blalock's return to the major leagues and his first-base debut for the Texas Rangers have been delayed.

Blalock, a two-time All-Star third baseman who is changing positions, had been scheduled to be activated from the disabled list in time for tonight's game at Houston. But Blalock bruised his right hand diving for a ball in a game Sunday night while on a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma.

The bruise is considered minor, but it wasn't clear when Blalock would be activated. The Rangers expected him to play at least one more game for Oklahoma.

Meanwhile, an MRI done on catcher Gerald Laird confirmed a pulled right hamstring muscle. Laird is expected to be out 4-6 weeks.

Laird was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday after getting hurt beating out a bunt single. He was hitting .306 with four home runs and 25 RBIs when he got hurt.

The start of Blalock's rehab assignment with Oklahoma was delayed twice, with different injuries.

Blalock was originally put on the 15-day disabled list April 29 with a torn left hamstring. He recovered from that injury and was preparing for a rehabilitation assignment when he experienced wrist soreness.

After a cortisone shot in the wrist didn't reduce the swelling, Blalock had surgery May 30 for carpal tunnel syndrome. He was scheduled to report to Oklahoma last week, but instead waited until Saturday because he was still having problems with his hands.

Blalock was hitting .299 with three homers in 87 at-bats before his injury.