SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Texas Rangers second baseman Jurickson Profar has been cleared to throw by team physician Keith Meister, but the club will stick with its plan to ease him in as a precaution.
Profar has experienced shoulder tendinitis, but he came to spring ready to participate in all activities except throwing. He's about a week behind and will take it slow. Profar was given an injection to help with inflammation in his shoulder a few weeks ago, according to the team.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Profar will start Cactus League games in a few weeks as a DH and then transition into playing at second base when he's ready. It is not expected to impact his ability to be prepared for Opening Day.
Profar, who was ESPN.com's Keith Law's No. 1 prospect in all of baseball prior to the 2013 season, hit .234 with six homers and 26 RBIs in 286 at-bats as he moved around to various spots as a utility player. With the trade of Ian Kinsler to Detroit for Prince Fielder, the second base job belongs to Profar.
Starting pitcher Derek Holland, who had microfracture surgery on his left knee this offseason, will not report to spring training for another two weeks. He will get a scan on his knee, which was the plan all along, but he will do that in Texas. He will join the team in early March and continue his rehab.
