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New position but same game for Profar

ARLINGTON -- Jurickson Profar made his first career start at third base Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Profar worked with first-base coach Dave Anderson before the game to get comfortable with the signals used Sunday. Profar made one appearance at third base in the Minors in July with Double-A Frisco.

"There's no challenge," Profar said. "Catch the ball, and throw the ball. As long as it's baseball, I can play anywhere."

Rangers manager Ron Washington said Profar could handle the hot corner despite his lack of experience. It is part of Profar's new role as the team's utilityman.

"He understands his position up here right now is a utility role," Washington said. "As I've talked with him, it means a lot more work than you've done normally. There's some positions we want to get you familiarized with, which means you got to work. He's all for it."

Adrian Beltre was the designated hitter, and Lance Berkman received Father's Day off. Both changes were planned by Washington. Profar hit at the leadoff spot with Ian Kinsler third in the lineup. Kinsler's last start in the three-hole was May 22, 2011, against the Phillies. He has a .275 batting average with six home runs and 38 RBIs in 83 games batting third.

"I had no other options," Washington said of the lineup changes.

Master Tesfatsion is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: Texas Rangers, Jurickson Profar