The Texas Rangers aim to secure their third consecutive win against the Boston Red Sox but will be without third baseman, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to neck spasms. Manager Bruce Bochy announced the move before the game, stating he expects him to miss only the minimum required time. “He will go on the IL with neck spasms,” Bochy said. “He’ll probably get three or four extra days beyond when he could have been ready, but that might be beneficial to fully resolve the issue. It’s been recurring.” He initially experienced neck stiffness during an exhibition game but played in the Rangers’ first two regular-season games before aggravating the injury in the seventh inning of Friday’s win over Boston.
The Rangers have called up infielder Jonathan Ornelas from the minor leagues to take Josh Jung’s spot on the roster. Meanwhile, utility player Josh Smith, who exited Saturday’s game after colliding with the railing near third base, is not expected to join Jung on the injured list.
“We’re hoping Smith can play tomorrow. We had him out here today to test his running, and while it didn’t go great, he was somewhat close. He thinks he could play in an emergency,” said Bochy. The Rangers will wrap up their series against the Red Sox on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. at Globe Life Field.