Rios will return to lineup today

HOUSTON -- Alex Rios said on Friday that he definitely would be in the Rangers' lineup on Sunday against the Astros. The right fielder was out of the starting lineup in the first two games of the three-game series at Minute Maid Park with a sprained right ankle.

On Saturday, Rangers manager Ron Washington confirmed what Rios had stated the day before.

"He's playing tomorrow. No questions about it," said Washington. "He told you my thoughts before I even thought it. Definitely tomorrow. Just giving it a rest."

Rios did not play in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Astros, but he was available to pinch-hit or come into the game if needed.

The ankle has been troubling Rios, who sprained the ankle on July 19 at Toronto. He missed three games from July 20-22 due to the injury.