SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The games about are to begin, but Rangers outfielders Marlon Byrd and Brandon Boggs will not be playing. Both will be sidelined when the Rangers have their first intrasquad game on Monday.

Byrd remains limited while recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee to repair torn cartilage. The surgery took place in October. Byrd could be ready to play sometime next week, but has been shooting for sometime between March 10-15.

"I'm still trying to get it right," Byrd said. "I want to make sure that when I go full speed, I want to be able to go with no pain or anything. I ran a couple of sprints the other day and it felt good. But I'm taking my time because this is a long Spring Training this year."

The extra week because of the World Baseball Classic does give the Rangers more time to make sure Byrd is ready for Opening Day. But he has been able to do everything else in camp, particularly batting practice, and can always get at-bats in the Minor League games if he needs to catch up.

"He's been full on everything but the running part," manager Ron Washington said. "We want to make sure we don't aggravate it."

Boggs has been bothered by more inflammation in his right shoulder. That was a problem last August and it's returned this spring. Boggs was able to play winter ball in Mexico, but the shoulder has limited him here in Spring Training and he's not ready to play in games.

"In the next few days, they'll start him back on a throwing program," Washington said.

Elvis Andrus, who has had a sore left wrist the last few days, took batting practice with the team on Sunday and is expected to play in the intrasquad games. Catcher Kevin Richardson remains sidelined with a strained left knee.

The Rangers will have two intrasquad games on Monday and Tuesday. The Rangers' anticipated regular lineup will be on one side against reserves on another. Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be the catcher for the A team.

The first exhibition game will be on Wednesday against the Royals.