Wilson gets call at second for Rangers' opener

ARLINGTON -- Josh Wilson came into camp as a non-roster player. He went into the season as the Rangers' starting second baseman, getting the start over Donnie Murphy on Opening Day against the Phillies. The Rangers claimed Murphy off waivers from the Cubs five days ago.

"Josh has been with me since February," manager Ron Washington said. "They are going to both get playing time, but he has been with me since February. He can catch the ball and he knows how to play."

Wilson is the first Rangers non-roster spring invitee to make the Opening Day lineup since Sammy Sosa in 2007.

This is Wilson's 16th professional season, and he has played in 386 Major League games in parts of six seasons with the Marlins, Nationals, Rays, D-backs, Padres, Mariners and Brewers. It is the third time he has been on an Opening Day roster. He was there with the Nationals in 2007, and the D-backs last season. Monday was his first opener start.

"I go into every spring expecting to make the team," Wilson said. "I want to play and I want to be there, no matter what the team looks like on paper. My mentality is to work hard and expect the best to happen. My mindset never changes."

Murphy is one of five players on the Opening Day roster who were acquired by waiver claim. The others are pitchers Pedro Figueroa, Shawn Tolleson and Seth Rosin, and catcher Chris Gimenez.