Murphy, Wilson seeing action amid infield injuries

BOSTON -- Two weeks ago, Donnie Murphy and Josh Wilson didn't know how much they would be playing in the Major Leagues. There was also a possibility neither would be in the Major Leagues.

Now they are getting to play regularly for the Rangers as injuries mount up in the infield. Wilson was at third base and Murphy was at second base for the second straight day Wednesday with Adrian Beltre sidelined with tightness in his left calf muscle.

Murphy was at second for the fourth straight game just two weeks after being claimed on waivers from the Cubs.

"It has been crazy," Murphy said. "With the situation with the Cubs, there was a possible platoon, but I didn't know how much I would be playing. Now I'm playing a lot. It's definitely been an emotional roller coaster. But I'm having a great time. There are a lot of good guys here and it makes it more fun to play."

Wilson has been a utility infielder for much of his career and shortstop has been his best position. Coming into this season, he had played 229 games at short, 66 at second and 35 at third. But he made his first start at third base this season Tuesday night and started two of the Rangers' five double plays.

"My most natural position is either spot in the middle," Wilson said. "In the middle, I feel I can be as good as anybody in the game. At third base, I'm not saying I'm uncomfortable, but it's my least natural position. But I've played there enough that I'm not worried about anything."

Murphy and Wilson made the team to handle second while Jurickson Profar is on the disabled list. Going into Wednesday's game, Rangers second basemen were hitting .370 (10-for-27) with six RBIs. That was the highest batting average and most RBIs from the second base position for any team in the American League.