Rangers review catching options after Arencibia

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers are preparing to start the season with J.P. Arencibia and Robinson Chirinos as their catchers but are finding out there are outside candidates emerging in the final week of Spring Training.

The Yankees have two backup catchers in Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine behind Brian McCann and are looking for bullpen help. The Rangers are willing to talk about left-hander Michael Kirkman because he is out of options. The D-backs have veterans Henry Blanco and Bobby Wilson while the Rangers have talked about Ramon Hernandez, who is in camp with the Royals but unlikely to make the team. Yorvit Torrealba is available, having asked for his release from the Angels camp.

Arencibia and Chirinos will share the position although the Rangers will at least try to add another veteran catcher at Triple-A Round Rock. The Rangers found themselves short with the news that Geovany Soto will miss 10 to 12 weeks with a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee.

"I'm really sad what happened to Geo," Chirinos said. "He is a good friend of mine. You never want a teammate to go through it but it's a big opportunity for me."

"You just do whatever to help the team win," Arencibia said. "I've been in that position for three years, I know the league … you just have to step up. That's all it is."