Murphy exits with strained neck after tumble

ARLINGTON -- Rangers second baseman Donnie Murphy had to leave Wednesday's game against the Rockies in the bottom of the sixth inning with a strained neck muscle. The injury does not appear serious but the Rangers already have limited options on the bench and may need to make a roster move before Thursday's game.

Murphy sustained the injury while batting with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning. He hit a high chopper to third baseman Nolan Arenado and was thrown out at first but stumbled and fell as he crossed the bag. He was pretty stiff after the game

"I stepped on the bag and landed weird," Murphy said. "I landed on my shoulder and neck and put pressure on it. It's just stiff and sore."

He was replaced by Josh Wilson. The two had been sharing second-base duties since the beginning of the season while Jurickson Profar has been on the disabled list with a torn muscle in his right shoulder. Profar has resumed throwing and is taking batting practice daily and could return by the end of the month.

The Rangers are already going with just three bench players while their bullpen is trying to get caught up. They called up pitcher Scott Baker before Wednesday's game and sent outfielder Daniel Robertson back to Triple-A Round Rock.

If Murphy needs to go on the disabled list, the Rangers have veterans Kensuke Tanaka, Brent Lillibridge and Adam Rosales at Triple-A Round Rock or top prospect Rougned Odor at Double-A Frisco.