Kinsler out of Friday's lineup with bruised rib cage
Rangers second baseman aggravates existing condition during hit-by-pitch
ARLINGTON -- Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler was out of the lineup on Friday night because of a bruised right rib cage. Kinsler said the issue was not the result of his awkward headfirst slide in the first inning of Thursday's 10-4 win over the Tigers.
"I came out of the slide perfectly fine, except with a bruised ego," Kinsler said.
Kinsler, who made a pinch-running appearance in the ninth inning of Friday's 2-1 loss, said he initially injured the ribs trying to steal second base during the Houston series last weekend. He was able to play through it, but aggravated it on Thursday, when he reacted to getting hit by a pitch from Justin Verlander.
"I flexed my core and strained it again," Kinsler said.
The Rangers don't expect Kinsler to miss much time. But this allows manager Ron Washington to give him a day off and start Leury Garcia at second base for the third time this season. It's the fifth time that Garcia has been in the lineup overall.
"This might be a blessing in disguise to give Kinsler a day off," Washington said. "This way I don't have to fight him."
Kinsler has been hit by a pitch in two straight games and 54 times in his career. That ties him with Rafael Palmeiro for the most in club history.
"I can't wait to celebrate that record," Kinsler said.