ARLINGTON, Texas – Jeff Baker drew his first start of the season at second base for the Texas Rangers Wednesday night.
He shouldn't get used to playing there.
Regular second baseman Ian Kinsler went through a full workout Wednesday and will begin a rehab assignment for Double A Frisco Thursday. Kinsler will be the designated hitter for the Roughriders and then will play at least two games at second base before getting activated.
Kinsler, who has been on the disabled list since May 19, hasn't had any issues since he began ramping up his workouts Monday.
"I'm shooting for Sunday," Kinsler said. "I might get here Sunday and I might not be in the lineup but I'd like to at least be available. I feel fine. 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."
Kinsler originally hurt himself in Houston during a May series in which he was hit by a ball while sliding at second base. Kinsler doesn't think sliding will be a concern.
"Probably swinging and missing is going to be the biggest test," Kinsler said.
The Rangers are 11-11 without Kinsler in the lineup and their scoring has dropped by nearly ¼ of a run.
