ARLINGTON, Texas -- One day following being drilled in the head by a fastball from Red Sox pitcher Vicente Padilla, Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre said his head feels good.

“I thought it was going to be a little more tough to find my way into the lineup," said Beltre, who is back in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale. "I got up this morning and felt fine.”

The slugging third baseman said he has to pass some more test prior to Wednesday night's first pitch to remain in the lineup. It's the first time he has ever been hit in the head by a pitch.

Beltre was batting in the eighth inning in a tie game with Elvis Andrus standing on third representing the go-ahead run. Padilla could have elected to pitch around Beltre, but instead went after him. Beltre found himself in a 0-2 hole when he was hit in the head.

“I got two strikes, and I was trying to hit the ball up the middle," Beltre said. "I have to see the ball all the way in because he has a really slow breaking ball. I can’t just turn my head without seeing the ball. I wasn’t expecting a pitch up and in right there, but when I saw it coming at me I turned my head. I tried to put my shoulder up so it would hit me in the shoulder, but it was too late.”

Beltre crouched down after the ball sent his helmet sailing through the air.

“I think the impact of the ball and where it hit and how loud it was (surprised me)," Beltre said. "I got down. I was just waiting to see what was going to happen -- if I was going to be dizzy or anything. But nothing happened, so I got up and started walking. He got me good, but it’s nothing serious.”

Beltre was diagnosed with a head contusion after the game, but he had so symptoms of a concussion.

On Wednesday, he reiterated that he doesn't think Padilla hit him intentionally.

“We know his reputation," Beltre said. "I don’t think he’s hit me before. ... I’m guessing the pitch got away. He only knows that, but I don’t think he did it on purpose.”

Other notes:

* Mike Napoli is not in Wednesday's lineup. He slowed up while running to first base on a 6-4-3 double play in the third inning Tuesday and said his quad tightened up on him but that he thinks he will be fine. Manager Ron Washington said he decided to give Napoli the day off since he hasn't had one in a while. Coupled with Thursday's off day, Napoli will get two days of rest before the Chicago White Sox come in for a three-game series beginning Friday.

* Mark Lowe, who is on the 15-day disabled list (right intercostal strain), will throw a bullpen Thursday. It is expected that he could begin his rehab assignment early next week.

* Alberto Gonzalez saw his first action since July 3 on Tuesday. Gonzalez got into the game in the second inning after Ian Kinsler was ejected after being picked off of first in the first inning. He went 0-for-2 on the night, but Gonzalez said he is always ready when an opportunity arises.

"What I do always is practice every position," Gonzalez said through translator Eleno Ornelos. "I never know when there's going to be a chance for me to play. I felt comfortable last night. I didn't think I would feel as good as I did at the plate. I think I did OK for being in there after so many games of not playing."