The injury to Mitch Moreland won't cause the roster disharmony that an injury usually does because the Rangers have three players who have experience at first base.
Michael Young got the first crack at it Wednesday, though he likely would have been there because of interleague play at a National League park. Mike Napoli gets his shot Friday, though he likely would have been at first anyway because Colorado is throwing a left-hander.
Brandon Snyder would wiggle his way into the lineup a couple times while Moreland is out four to six weeks with a strained left hamstring, but Young and Napoli will be the primary guys.
The Moreland injury won't be all bad, as it will give manager Ron Washington a chance to rest outfielders against right-handed hitters. When Young is at first base, the Rangers will need a designated hitter. Washington can slide Leonys Martin into the outfield, and use Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz or even David Murphy at DH for a quasi-day off. That would also give the Rangers an extra left-handed bat in the lineup.
Moreland, naturally, wasn't thrilled to learn that the injury is more serious than hamstring injuries suffered by others recently. Dr. Keith Meister told him that he will miss at least four weeks.
"It's not what I wanted to happen, but we've got to treat it, get it better and get back on the field," Moreland said.
Derek Holland will throw a bullpen session Friday afternoon after also throwing one Wednesday. He will get at least one more, or possibly live batting practice, before heading out on a rehab assignment. Washington said the Rangers will be cautious.
Michael Kirkman has been informed that he doesn't not need any further treatments for a form of skin cancer that was diagnosed in January. He underwent a treatment Thursday in Round Rock, and his doctors gave the all clear. He will continue to visit his oncologist periodically, but no longer will need to take intravenous medicine.
-- Jeff Wilson
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