Major League Baseball

Rangers 2B Kinsler cleared to start rehab games

Published Jun. 13, 2013 2:41 a.m. ET

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Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler is set to begin a rehabilitation assignment, and could be back at the top of their lineup by next week.

Kinsler, out since May 18 with bruised ribs, was cleared to start rehab games after going through a full workout before the Rangers played Wednesday night against Cleveland.

He took batting practice and did defensive drills, including turning double plays, with no problems.

''I feel fine,'' Kinsler said. ''I'm ready to play and I haven't had anything physically tell me I'm not. I'm going to continue to push it and hopefully I can continue on the same path I'm on.''

The Rangers said Kinsler will play at least three games for Double-A Frisco. He will be the designated hitter Thursday night, then play at least two games in the field.

Going into Wednesday night's game, the Rangers were 11-11 without Kinsler and had gone from a 6 1/2-game lead in the AL West to being tied for first place with Oakland.

The Rangers have a four-game home series against the Athletics starting Monday, and Kinsler wants to be back for that.

Though Kinsler resumed baseball activities two days earlier, Wednesday was the first time he took live BP since going on the DL. He was examined by team physician Dr. Keith Meister before the Rangers announced his rehab assignment.

Kinsler expects to be back in the Rangers clubhouse by Sunday, and be available for the series finale against Toronto even if he's not in the starting lineup. He was hitting .302 with seven home runs and 20 RBIs in 40 games before going on the DL.

Kinsler initially hurt his ribs when he got hit by a ball while sliding into a base. Kinsler had a setback earlier in his recovery when he had a stress reaction in the same area on his right side.

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