Worth noting

• Pitcher Joakim Soria, who is coming back from Tommy John elbow reconstructive surgery, threw off a mound for the first time since having the operation last April. Soria, signed this season as a free agent after six years with the Royals, threw 15 pitches without any problems. The Rangers are hoping for his return in late May or early June.

• Second baseman Ian Kinsler worked out on Monday and took swings in the covered batting cages along with outfielder Craig Gentry.

• Pitcher Roman Mendez said he's ready to throw off a mound, but the Rangers aren't ready for him to take that step. Mendez, who is coming back from a small fracture in his right elbow, will be limited to playing catch for the next few weeks and won't start a long-toss program until March 1.

• For the second straight spring, manager Ron Washington said the Rangers will really emphasize to their pitchers the importance of fielding their position. The Rangers showed significant improvement last season and Washington wants it to continue. In 2011, Rangers pitchers committed 16 errors and helped turn just seven double plays. This past season, they made seven errors -- tied for the second fewest in the league -- and were involved in 15 double plays.