Rangers All-Star Kinsler on disabled list for opening day
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler was placed on the disabled list as expected Sunday, among several moves the team made to finalize its 25-man roster.
Kinsler has been out since sustaining a high right ankle sprain March 12.
The Rangers also put right-handers Tommy Hunter (left oblique strain) and Warner Madrigal (right forearm soreness) on the disabled list. The DL moves were retroactive to March 26, meaning the three players will be eligible to be activated Saturday.
Kinsler, who had 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases last season, is expected to play a couple of minor league games before joining the Rangers lineup.
Hunter, who was 9-6 as a rookie last season and expected to remain in the rotation this season, felt a twinge in his left side while warming up March 18 for a spring training start.
With Kinsler out, infielder Joaquin Arias made his first opening day roster since coming to Texas in the Alex Rodriguez deal six years ago.
The other first-timers for the Rangers are Julio Borbon, who will be the leadoff hitter and starting center fielder; utility infielder Andres Blanco, acquired from the Chicago Cubs just last week; and right-handed relievers Neftali Feliz and Doug Mathis.
Right-hander Guillermo Moscoso was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Texas reassigned seven players to minor league camp: right-handed reliever Willie Eyre; infielders Matt Brown, Esteban German and Gregorio Petit; catchers Toby Hall and Matt Treanor; and outfielder Endy Chavez.
Right-handers Omar Beltre and Alexi Ogando were reinstated to the 40-man roster. They had not counted against the Texas roster since being able to rejoin the team during spring training, but had to be added to the active roster by Sunday.
Beltre and Ogando were banned from the United States for five years after both admittedly were involved in a human trafficking ring in the Dominican Republic. They were among more than two dozen players who participated in the fraud ring.
Beltre was optioned to Oklahoma City, and Ogando was optioned to Double-A Frisco.
Right-hander Eric Hurley's placement on the 60-day disabled list took effect Sunday. Hurley is still rehabbing from right shoulder surgery.
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