Soto eyeing return to action by March 15

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Catcher Geovany Soto said he is hoping to be back in the Rangers lineup by March 15. Soto is sidelined after undergoing surgery on Saturday to have a small bone removed from his left foot.

Soto is hoping to have the sutures taken out next week and immediately begin resuming baseball activities. That could give him 7-10 days to build back up to being ready to play in a game by March 15.

"This is a minor setback," Soto said. "But if I'm back by March 15, I should have enough time to be ready for Opening Day."

Soto started experiencing some soreness in his left foot after coming to camp. The Rangers did not think it was serious but sent him back to Dallas to be examined by a specialist. Arthoscopic surgery was recommended after it was discovered the Og Trigonum bone was putting pressure on the flexor tendon.

"I've never had any foot issues or anything," Soto said. "It was a surprise, out of the blue. I thought the doc would say it was a little problem. I had to get it done so it would not be an issue all year."