SURPRISE, Ariz. -- James Loney is the consummate professional. He has forged an 11-year career by being a solid hitter, accomplished defender and outstanding teammate.
These are attributes worthy of respect and admiration. They may not be good enough to earn him a spot on the Rangers' Opening Day roster, and he understands that.
"Just play," Loney said. "Go out and play hard. It's simple ... simple strategy."
Loney is in camp on a Minor League contract and has an out clause. He can opt for free agency on Wednesday if he is not on the Opening Day roster.
"I don't know ... they just throw me out there and give me at-bats," Loney said. "I have been hitting the ball hard the last week and a half ... two weeks. I started off slow."
Loney has always been an everyday first baseman, and his teams have made the postseason five times. But that job is not open with the Rangers, and other events have reduced the possible usefulness Loney might otherwise offer.
Mainly, the emergence of Delino DeShields, Ryan Rua and Jurickson Profar in left field increase the possibility that Shin-Soo Choo's primary role will be as a designated hitter. That scuttles the idea of Mike Napoli getting significant time at DH. He will likely play almost every day at first base, and Rua and Profar are both capable of filling in when needed.
Also, the Rangers' desire to go with an eight-man bullpen leaves them with a three-man bench. Loney's lack of versatility doesn't help him in that scenario.
Darvish returns to pitch
Yu Darvish rejoined the Rangers on Thursday after returning from Texas where his wife gave birth to a son. Darvish, who last pitched on Saturday against the Reds, will start Friday in a Minor League game.
He threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Arlington. He'll start again on Wednesday against the Royals. That would line him up for an Opening Day start against the Indians on April 3.
The Rangers haven't made an official announcement, but Darvish was able to enjoy the birth of his son without letting it disrupt his routine.
"This is a very routine-oriented guy," manager Jeff Banister said. "He has the ability to manage all those things well, so I don't think those types of things bother him. It is hectic and exciting. He has a number of people who help him that take a lot of different things off his plate."
Rangers beat
• Outfielder Carlos Gomez said his jammed left shoulder is feeling better. "I feel better today than yesterday, and yesterday was a really good day," he said.
• Right-hander Andrew Cashner (biceps soreness) came out of Wednesday's 33-pitch Minor League game without any issues. The next step is live batting practice on Saturday.
• Right-hander Tyson Ross (shoulder surgery) had his first live batting practice session on Thursday and will go again on Saturday.
• Catcher Brett Nicholas, recovering from left knee surgery, has begun a hitting program.
• Joey Gallo (tight left hamstring) remains day to day but said he could play if this were the regular season.
• Hanser Alberto (sore shoulder) is throwing long toss up to 200 feet and said he feels significant improvement. He hasn't played since March 12 but could make up for lost time in a Minor League game.