Rangers claim veteran Murphy to help at second base

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers have claimed infielder Donnie Murphy off waivers from the Cubs and he could end up being their Opening Day second baseman against Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee.

Murphy, a right-handed hitter, has eight years of Major League experience with the Royals, Athletics, Marlins and Cubs. He is a career .215 hitter with a .280 on-base percentage and a .405 slugging percentage. He spent last season with the Cubs, hitting .255 with a .319 on-base percentage and a .530 slugging percentage. He also hit a career-high 11 home runs in 149 at-bats.

In his career, Murphy has played 106 games at third, 73 at shortstop and 65 at second base. He has also made two appearances in the outfield.

"He's got good makeup, gritty, a gamer," general manager Jon Daniels said. "He's got some pop and hits left-handers. We felt he was a nice fit for us."

Daniels said Murphy will most likely be on the Opening Day roster although the Rangers are still evaluating their second base and utility infield situations. Adam Rosales, Josh Wilson and Kensuke Tanaka remain in camp as well. Wilson started at second base on Wednesday against the Mariners.

Jurickson Profar was supposed to be the Rangers starting second baseman on Opening Day but is sidelined for 10-12 weeks with a torn muscle in his right shoulder.