News
Kinsler hits disabled list with left groin strain
Highly regarded prospect Moreland promoted from Triple-A
By Bailey Stephens / MLB.com
07/29/10 12:43 PM ET
The Rangers placed star second baseman Ian Kinsler on the disabled list with a strained left groin on Thursday.To take Kinsler's place on the roster, the club called up first baseman/outfielder Mitch Moreland from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He wasn't previously on the club's 40-man roster, so to make room, the Rangers transferred pitcher Mark Lowe from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.
Kinsler, who began the season on the disabled list with a high-ankle sprain, did not play on Wednesday against the Angels. The move was made retroactive to Wednesday, so he will be eligible to be activated on Aug. 12.
Moreland batted .289 with 12 homers and 65 RBIs for Oklahoma City this season. The 24-year-old was named the organization's 2009 Minor League Player of the Year and currently leads the Pacific Coast League with 11 outfield assists.
Moreland is expected to be in uniform for Thursday's game against the Athletics.
Kinsler's injury could make Ty Wigginton a priority in the Rangers' search for a right-handed-hitting infielder. Texas has been talking to the Orioles about Wigginton and the Marlins about Jorge Cantu. But Wigginton can play second base as well as both corner-infield positions.
Wigginton played 37 games there for the Orioles this season while Brian Roberts was on the disabled list. Wigginton is hitting .250 with 16 home runs and 49 RBIs in 94 games and 389 at-bats. He recently appeared in his first All-Star Game.
Bailey Stephens is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
