ARLINGTON -- Center fielder Delino DeShields beat the timetable set for him and was back at the top of the Rangers' lineup on Sunday. DeShields was activated off the disabled list on Sunday, less than three weeks after undergoing surgery on April 2 to remove a broken hamate bone in his left wrist.
The original prognosis was that DeShields would be sidelined 4-6 weeks.
"Medically, I was told once you've done surgery and taken the bone out, it's just tolerance and healing of the incision," manager Jeff Banister said. "The difference between Delino and some is Delino is not a power guy, he is bat control and speed. He is a tough guy and able to maneuver through it. Talking to him, he reassured us he is pretty tolerant to what he is feeling."
DeShields played three games for Double-A Frisco on medical rehabilitation assignment and was 3-for-7 with two walks. He played center field on Thursday and Friday, then was used at designated hitter on Saturday.

The Rangers missed him. They entered Sunday with 77 runs scored, the sixth fewest in the American League even though they and the Astros were tied for the most games played.
"My game is simple: Play a little small ball, move guys over, bunt a lot. I feel like I've taken control of how I do on defense the last couple of years," DeShields said. "I love hitting at the top of the lineup. I feel like if I get on base with this lineup, I should touch home plate. I don't know why, that's just how it's been over the last couple of years. It's just a feeling I have and I've been hungry and craving that feeling again. It's exciting to be back."
To make room for DeShields, the Rangers placed outfielder Carlos Tocci on the disabled list with a bruised left hip. Tocci injured the hip when he banged against the outfield wall on Monday against the Rays.
Fister close to returning
The Rangers are tentatively planning to bring Doug Fister back off the disabled list on Wednesday and start him against the Athletics. He is on the disabled list because of a strained right hip muscle but threw a 40-pitch bullpen session on Sunday. It was his second session in three days. His last start was on April 9.
"He still has to come out of the [bullpen session] okay," Banister said. "The physical reports have all been positive. He is still doing treatment and staying out in front of it."

Fister's return means the Rangers will push Mike Minor back to Friday against the Blue Jays and pitch on six days' rest. That fits the Rangers' goal of giving Minor extra rest because he is being used as a starter for the first time since 2014 with the Braves. He was used as a reliever for the Royals last season and missed 2015-16 with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
"It's still April," Banister said. "Minor is throwing the ball well and we're still committed to giving him extra rest."
Rangers recognize Earth Day
The LED field lighting at Globe Life Park is one method the Rangers have implemented to help sustain the Earth's future. The lighting system results in a 60 percent energy savings.
The Rangers also recycled 358.1 tons of waste in 2017. That resulted in 32.86 percent of waste being diverted from landfills.
As Major League Baseball celebrates Earth Day, here are other ways the Rangers "Go Green" in their daily operations:
• Grass clippings are used in mulch for outside landscaping or used as eventual fertilizer.
• Low-flow sprinkler heads are used on the Major League field and at the Youth Ballpark, and exterior landscaping uses water from ballpark lakes.
• Lightbulbs are replaced with LED bulbs as old bulbs burn out.
• Clean cardboard, broken pallets, tree trimmings, office paper, plastics, metals of all types, motor and cooking oils, and grease products are all recycled.
• All edible foods left over from prep that are not used for games are sent to Mission Arlington.
• Time clocks are utilized on parking lot lights to shut off when not needed.
Rangers beat
• Right-handed reliever Ricardo Rodriguez, who is on the 60-day disabled list because of right biceps tendinitis, is throwing off a mound in Arizona and could be ready to join a Minor League team early in May.
• Right-hander Ronald Herrera, who was acquired from the Yankees on Nov. 20, is still throwing on flat ground. He is on the 60-day disabled list with inflammation in his right shoulder and is slowly being built back up.
• Assistant strength coach Eric McMahon was back with the Rangers on Sunday after being away while his wife gave birth to the couple's third child, daughter Claire Elise.