MINNEAPOLIS -- Rangers utility infielder Nicky Lopez left Saturday's 6-2 win over the Twins at Target Field with an injury to his left ankle and heel, the club announced.
Lopez attempted a bunt single in the third inning and appeared to step on the first-base bag awkwardly. Lopez said when he stepped on the bag, he hyperextended his knee, which caused his ankle to hit the bag as it did.
Lopez, manager Skip Schumaker and head trainer Matt Lucero met briefly between innings and he initially stayed in the game. Cody Freeman replaced Lopez and entered to play third base in the bottom of the fourth, with Ezequiel Duran sliding over to second in order to shore up the defense, Schumaker said.
Schumacher said Lopez felt better as the night went on and he will hopefully be able to play in Game 162.
“When you hit first base, you're a little more worried than anything,” Lopez said. “That's where I was. I rarely come out of baseball games. I really don't. I take pride in it. I have a clean track record, knock on wood. This one hurt a little bit. But better to get off your feet. Hopefully, I’ll be back in there tomorrow.”
Lopez, who signed with the Rangers on May 27, has hit .274/.327/.317 in 95 games for them, playing mostly second base (67 games) and shortstop (28).