Moreland eligible to come off DL Friday; Baker sidelined

ARLINGTON -- First baseman Mitch Moreland, sidelined with a strained right hamstring, said he is ready to come off the disabled list and is eligible on Friday. Moreland is taking batting practice and running the bases without problems.

He will likely get 2-3 games on a medical rehabilitation assignment later this week just to get at-bats, but Moreland said he is ready right now.

Jeff Baker is not. He is still sidelined with a sprained right thumb, the result of an over-exuberant teammate giving him an excessive high-five before Friday's game. Baker reported slight improvement on Saturday, but he is still not able to grip a bat.

"Any improvement is encouraging," Baker said. "The whole situation is frustrating, but it's going to get better."

The Rangers have not considered putting Baker on the disabled list. His primary role is hitting against left-handed pitchers, and the Rangers aren't scheduled to face one until Wednesday when Tommy Milone pitches for the Athletics.