X-rays negative on Chirinos' sprained ankle
Catcher replaced in fifth following fourth-inning collision at home plate; return timetable TBD
ST. PETERSBURG -- Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos exited Sunday's 6-5 victory over the Rays with a left ankle sprain in the half-inning following his collision at the plate with Adeiny Hechavarria. Precautionary X-rays came back negative.
With runners on second and third and one out in the fourth inning, and the Rays holding a 4-2 lead at the time, Jesus Sucre hit a grounder to second. Rougned Odor threw home to nab the advancing Hechavarria, who crashed into Chirinos on his way toward the plate.
Chirinos held onto the ball for the second out, though he was shaken up. Trainers looked at the catcher and allowed him to finish the inning.
"We'll know more tomorrow," manager Jeff Banister said.
Jonathan Lucroy pinch-hit for Chirinos in the top of the fifth and went 0-for-2 with a walk on the day.
Chirinos grounded out to short in his only at-bat Sunday. He has played in 44 games this year, with 12 home runs.
No further update on Chirinos' status was available after the game.