ARLINGTON, Texas – Jurickson Profar doesn't see making his first start at third base as a big deal.
"It's baseball," Profar said before the Texas Rangers' game Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays. "No challenge. Catch the ball and throw the ball."
Profar played some third for Double-A Frisco last year and got in some early work Sunday with infield coach Dave Anderson.
Texas manager Ron Washington said the team had planned to give Adrian Beltre a day off at third. Beltre was the designated hitter Sunday.
"It's just a catch-and-throw position," Washington said. "David took him (Profar) out early, get him comfortable with different signs that we'll use, and we'll help him with positioning. It's just a catch-and-throw position. If a ball's hit down there, you catch it and throw it. He can handle that."
Profar playing third wasn't the only change to the Texas lineup. Profar was leading off, and Ian Kinsler batted third for the first time in more than two years. The Rangers gave normal No. 3 hitter Lance Berkman the day off.
Kinsler made 60 starts from the No. 3 spot in the order in 2010.
