Rangers activate Kinsler

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Rangers activate Kinsler
Ian Kinsler is now off the disabled list and will start at second base for the Rangers in Friday’s game against the Minnesota Twins. Kinsler was placed on the disabled list after straining his groin in a 29 July game.
Kinsler will be available to pinch-hit in Wednesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. Kinsler is one of the Rangers’ more consistent hitters. He is averaging .298 with six homers and 38 RBIs. He also has the league’s third-best average against left-handed pitchers at .403. That’s been a department in which the Rangers have been struggling lately. They have lost eight of their last 11 games in which they were up against a left-handed starter.
The Rangers acquired some help in that department as well when they traded for Jeff Francoeur just before the deadline. The Rangers traded Joaquin Arias in return, who had played second base in Kinsler’s absence. Kinsler’s recovery likely led to the Rangers being okay with trading Arias away.
Kinsler’s best contribution this season has been his ability to get on base. He has a .387 on-base percentage which is crucial being at the top of the batting line-up. He sets up sluggers Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero and he has great base-running skills. The Rangers have to be glad to have their All-Star second-baseman back.
The Rangers were able to maintain a comfortable lead over the AL West in Kinsler’s absence. The team is a little banged up as MVP candidate Josh Hamilton is battling knee problems down the stretch. Kinsler’s return not only adds depth to the batting order but he is one of the best in the league at his position.
Kinsler is back just in time for the September stretch run as the Rangers are looking to close out perhaps their best season ever. They appear to be playoff-bound and Kinsler’s return should solidify their chances.