ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers are getting a pair of injured players back in time for Friday's series against Baltimore.
The club will activate utility man Jeff Baker and outfielder Craig Gentry before Friday's game. To make room for the duo, Texas sent catcher Robinson Chirinos and right-hander Wilmer Font to Triple A Round Rock.
Baker has been on the disabled list since June 15 with a right thumb sprain that was caused after a high five with a teammate. Gentry has been out since June 23 with a left hand non-displaced fracture.
Both have spent the week rehabbing with Double-A Frisco and both could start Friday night against Baltimore left-hander Wei-Yin Chen.
Baker, who was hitting .317 with nine homers before getting hurt, is ready to go.
"No issues, good to go," said Baker, who played in three rehab games. "I'm ready to go tomorrow. I got jammed a couple of pitches (during rehab). I hit balls off the end. I wasn't really concerned about the results. I just wanted to test it out."
Gentry's role may be different now with Leonys Martin taking charge in center field. Texas manager Ron Washington said he'll look to get Gentry some at-bats against left-handers. Gentry played in four games for Frisco, going 3 for 13.
"Everything's good," said Gentry, who got hurt after getting hit by a pitch June 18. "My hands feels great. It doesn't bother me when I'm swinging."
Right-hander Colby Lewis, who made a rehab start Wednesday for Frisco, will make another start for the Roughriders Monday.
Two other starters on the disabled list – Nick Tepesch and Matt Harrison – also threw Thursday. Tepesch played long toss out to 90 feet and Harrison, who hasn't pitched since April, had his first bullpen session since having a pair of back surgeries.
