ARLINGTON, Texas -- Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler, out since May 18 with bruised ribs, went through a workout session for the second consecutive day and fielded ground balls.
Manager Ron Washington said the plan is for Kinsler to back off on Wednesday and then go through a session of turning double plays on Thursday. The last test will be live hitting before the Rangers decide if Kinsler is ready for a rehab assignment.
“If he gets through that, we’ll make a decision," Washington said.
Bobblehead night: It's Yu Darvish bobblehead night with the first 20,000 fans entering the gates for the Rangers-Indians game receiving a Darvish K-Counter bobblehead.
In a pregame news conference, Darvish inspected the bobblehead and said he was very satisfied with the product and that it was very good-looking.
Since May 16, Darvish is 0-1 with three no-decisions, but neither Darvish nor Washington voiced concern.
“We haven’t scored a lot of runs for him," Washington said. “He can’t control that. The offense controls that. He’s pitching well. He’s just hit a dry spell."
Said Darvish: “I think I’m doing my job. I'm trying to go deep in games."
Leak fixed: A water pipe broke behind the mound at Rangers Ballpark and forced batting practice for the Rangers and Indians indoors.
A hose is connected to the water outlet to wet down the infield before games.
The Rangers' ground crew worked feverishly, digging into the soggy area to try to stop the leak. Two hours later -- about an hour before game time -- the job was complete. But it might be a little slippery if a pitcher steps that way.
Notes: Craig Gentry, a right-handed hitter, is starting in center field tonight instead of lefty-hitting Leonys MartinCorey Kluber is starting for the Indians.
Recently promoted Chris McGuiness, a left-handed hitter, will be at first base, making his third start.
“We didn’t bring him up to have him sit around," Washington said.
Jeff Baker, who has four homers and seven RBIs in his last six games, is not in the lineup.
