Lance Berkman: 'I'm not going on a rehab assignment"

Rangers designated hitter Lance Berkman said Saturday that he does not plan to go on a rehab assignment as he recovers from a strained left hip, ESPN Dallas reports.

"I don't need to do it, and I'm not going to do it," Berkman told ESPN Dallas.

Berkman has the right to refuse a rehab assignment, but the team would likely prefer he played a few minor-league games before rejoining the team.