Kouzmanoff puts disappointment behind him

BOSTON -- Infielder Kevin Kouzmanoff was the last player cut by the Rangers in Spring Training. He hit .370 with three home runs and 12 RBIs, but lost out to Jim Adduci for the last spot on the roster. Now he is back in the big leagues for the first time in three years, getting called up on Wednesday.

"I forgot all about that," Kouzmanoff said. "The decision was made and I moved on. That's all you can do. Keep pushing and you never know what can happen."

Kouzmanoff was 5-for-16 in four games with Round Rock before getting the callup. Kouzmanoff was the starting third baseman for the Padres in 2007-09 and the Athletics in 2010, but hadn't played in the Major Leagues since 2011 with the Rockies.

"He's a pro," manager Ron Washington said. "Good things happen to good people. He took it like a man, now he's getting the opportunity to come back."

Kouzmanoff has played in 644 games at third at the Major League level. He will likely be the everyday third baseman if Adrian Beltre goes on the disabled list. But after Kouzmanoff rushed to Boston on an early morning flight Wednesday, Washington decided not to rush him into the lineup. He'll likely play on Friday if Beltre is not ready.