The Texas Rangers activated second baseman Ian Kinsler from the disabled list before their game on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays, then put him in the starting lineup at the leadoff position.
Kinsler had been on the DL since May 18th with a rib injury, and wasn't expected to come off for another couple days. After going 0-for-8 with a waik in two games with Double-A Frisco on a medical rehabilitation assignment, Kinsler convinced team officials to activate him, instead of having another start in Frisco.
To make room for Kinsler, the Rangers optioned infielder Leury Garcia to Triple-A Round Rock. The Rangers will keep rookie Jurickson Profar with the major-league club, intending to use him as a utility infielder and possibly give him some starts in the outfield after some training from outfield coach Gary Pettis.