ARLINGTON, Texas – Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington was looking for a way to get Ian Kinsler a day off.
Bruised ribs weren't in the plans though.
Kinsler was a late scratch Friday because of bruised ribs. Kinsler first hurt his ribs last weekend during a series in Houston when he was hit by a ball while trying to steal second base.
He aggravated the injury Thursday night when he tried to twist out of the way before he was hit by a Justin Verlander pitch. His awkward slide at third in the first inning had nothing to do with it.
"When I was at first after I get hit by a pitch was when I got the first reaction to it," said Kinsler, who now shares the franchise record for most times hit by pitch (54) with Rafael Palmeiro.
The Rangers moved Elvis Andrus to the leadoff spot and inserted Leury Garcia in the order at second base.
Kinsler hopes to be out just a day and Washington thinks that will be the case.
"He's sore," Washington said. "This might be a blessing in disguise because I get to give him a day off. That way I won't have to fight him. He's been playing with it."
