Baker, Gentry activated from DL for series with Orioles

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers activated infielder Jeff Baker and outfielder Craig Gentry -- a pair of right-handed hitters -- from the disabled list Thursday in advance of the Rangers' second-half opener against the Orioles at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Gentry has been sidelined since June 20 with a fractured left hand and was 3-for-13 with a double in four games at a medical rehabilitation assignment with Double-A Frisco. He worked out for the Rangers on Thursday at the Ballpark.

"I feel good, my hand feels good," Gentry said. "It doesn't bother me when I swing."

Gentry spent the first 2 1/2 months of the season platooning with Leonys Martin in center field. Martin, a left-handed hitter, has been playing regularly since Gentry went down. Manager Ron Washington said Gentry will start playing against left-handers but he's not sure if he'll go back to a platoon situation.

"Martin has been playing against lefties, but I'm going to pick and choose," Washington said.

Baker has been playing mainly against left-handers and was doing serious damage against them before a right thumb sprain. Baker, who hasn't played since June 12, was hitting .386 (17-for-44) with eight home runs against left-handers. He was 2-for-11 overall in three games with Frisco and is expected to be in the lineup on Friday against Orioles left-hander Wei-Yin Chen.

"There are no issues, I'm good to go," Baker said.

To make room on the active roster, the Rangers optioned catcher Robinson Chirinos and right-handed reliever Wilmer Font.