Moreland progressing, but Martin hits a snag

HOUSTON -- There is an air of suspense surrounding the Rangers. Who will play in a game first: Leonys Martin or Mitch Moreland. The answer remains unknown but Moreland had a better day than Martin on Wednesday.

Moreland is on the disabled list while recovering from elbow surgery and can't be activated until Wednesday. But there is a possibility he could play in a Minor League game as early as Saturday.

Moreland, who had a bone chip removed from the elbow a week ago, took full batting practice in the indoor batting cages on Wednesday and said it went well. The plan right now is for him to take batting practice on the field on Thursday and Friday. If that goes well, he could begin a medical rehabilitation assignment on Saturday.

"That is if everything goes as planned," Moreland said. "It feels great. It feels normal."

Martin can't say the same thing. He had to come out of Monday's game against the Astros in the fifth inning with a sprained left wrist. He did not play Tuesday and was out of the lineup Wednesday as well.

Martin still has inflammation and swelling in the wrist. He tried swinging a fungo bat on Wednesday, and it did not go well.

"I am doing a lot of treatment, and I feel better, but the inflammation is still there," Martin said. "I played catch and it didn't feel too bad but I still can't swing. My grip, my swing, I can't go too far."

Martin is adamantly opposed to going on the disabled list. The Rangers aren't sure but haven't made that decision. They are going to give Martin a few more days in Tampa Bay before they decide that.

"We'll continue to evaluate it," manager Jeff Banister said.