Rangers hoping for early return of Soto, Profar

ARLINGTON -- Geovany Soto is targeting a July return from right knee surgery for a torn meniscus, but general manager Jon Daniels is hopeful the Rangers' starting catcher will be back in June.

"We're hoping to get [Jurickson] Profar and Soto back in June," Daniels said.

Profar, the Rangers' starting second baseman, is out with a right shoulder injury. Soto is still wearing a knee brace on his right knee and will have to wear it until mid-May. That means Soto can't do any baseball activities until then, which has him less than optimistic about a June return. The Rangers are going with a platoon of Robinson Chirinos and J.P. Arencibia.

"Basically, I'm just being patient," Soto said. "Mentally, it's tough. You come to the park and cheer on your teammates, but it's tough because I can't be out there helping them win."

The Rangers aren't going to push another injured player, left-handed starter Matt Harrison, who could make two or three more starts on a rehab assignment. Harrison, who started the season on the disabled list, lasted only 3 1/3 innings in a start Monday for Double-A Frisco.

Harrison, who had two back surgeries last year, is hoping to come off the 15-day disabled list after his next start on Saturday for Double-A Frisco. He is expected to throw 95 pitches.

"I have to get more than 3 1/3 innings," Harrison said. "I know I'm close."

Harrison has had to deal with two rainouts and cold weather during his rehab assignment. The Rangers may have time to get Harrison completely healthy with the strong start of Robert Ross Jr.

"There's not a set deadline," Daniels said. "I'm expecting him to make two more starts."