Profar back in camp after having wisdom teeth removed
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Second baseman Jurickson Profar was back in camp on Saturday, two days after having four wisdom teeth removed. Profar did some light hitting and throwing on Saturday and will continue to increase the intensity of his activities the next few days.
"I'm good … I'm better," Profar said. "They told me five days but I hit today…threw a little bit. Tomorrow I'm going to try to do everything."
The Rangers are still waiting to see him make cutoff and relay throws from the outfield, which has nothing to do with dental work but is the final test for his right shoulder. Profar has been limited to designated hitter duty this spring because of tendinitis in the shoulder but should be ready to play the field once he shows he can make cutoffs and relays.
Profar said that will give him enough time to be ready for Opening Day against the Phillies on March 31.
"Sure … no doubt," Profar said.
Third baseman Adrian Beltre was out of the lineup for the second straight game with tightness in his left quad muscle. Beltre had to come out of Thursday's game against the Giants when the muscle tightened up on him but the injury is not considered serious at this point.
"It's us holding back the reins more than he is," assistant general manager Thad Levine said.
Beltre was able to take batting practice on Saturday but is limited in his running. He might be able to be used at designated hitter in the next day or two but his return to the field is unknown.
"Hitting is not a problem," Beltre said. "It's pretty much running."
With Beltre sidelined, the Rangers took Minor League third baseman Joey Gallo to Phoenix for their game against the Athletics. Gallo, who is not in Major League camp, batted fourth in the starting lineup.
Gallo was at Class A Hickory last season and hit .245 with 38 home runs, 78 RBI and a .610 slugging percentage in 106 games. He also had two home runs on a rehab assignment with the Rookie League Arizona Rangers, giving him 40 for the season, the most in the Minor Leagues.