ARLINGTON -- Just a day after working out at first base for the first time, Jurickson Profar got the start at the position Tuesday in the Rangers' 4-3 win over the Astros. He had not appeared in a game at first base in his professional career.
Profar played errorless defense for eight innings before being replaced by Mitch Moreland in the ninth
"Hey, I think I'm pretty good at it. If they put that confidence in me, then I'm ready," Profar said before the game.
He made several impressive plays, none flashier than when he went into a full split on a stretch to complete a 5-4-3 double play in the fourth inning.

"It looked pretty athletic. Looked like a shortstop playing first base. Nice stretch," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said.
Banister said first base is not a long-term option for Profar. But he's looking to keep the 23-year-old infielder engaged, as he recorded a hit in his first 11 games since being recalled from Triple-A Round Rock. He is batting .380 after going 2-for-4 Tuesday.
"[Profar] has been a catalyst at the top of the lineup for us," Banister said. "We're trying to capitalize on that."
Rangers beat
• Right-hander A.J. Griffin will begin a rehab assignment Thursday with Double-A Frisco and will throw 45-50 pitches against San Antonio. Griffin, who is on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder stiffness, said he'll need two to four starts before he's ready to return.
"Build up and go out there and compete," he said.
• The Rangers will have a University of Texas day on July 28, when the Rangers host the Royals. Students and alumni can purchase exclusive tickets for the event at www.texasrangers.com/udays. Fans with exclusive tickets will receive a UT-themed Rangers hat.