Texas Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler lands on DL

August 18, 2008 @ 17:10:54

By Keith Hernandez
Edited by Nicholas Minnix

The Associated Press reports the Texas Rangers placed second baseman Ian Kinsler (hernia) on the 15-day disabled list Monday, Aug. 18, with a sports hernia. Kinsler could have to undergo season-ending surgery and will be examined by a specialist Tuesday, Aug. 19.

In a related move, the Rangers recalled infielder Joaquin Arias from Triple-A Oklahoma.

Kinsler first felt the pain in his groin after making a play at second base in the first inning of their game Sunday, Aug. 17, against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The trip to the DL will be Kinsler's first of the season; he has posted impressive numbers. However, it is the third year in a row that he has spent time on the shelf. He is tied for the major league lead with 165 hits, and his 102 runs lead the bigs. He also leads the Rangers in batting average (.319) and stolen bases (26). Kinsler was closing in on the team record for doubles (43) set by outfielder Alfonso Soriano (now with the Chicago Cubs) in 2005. Kinsler has 41 doubles on the year.

With Kinsler ailing, Arias and third baseman Ramon Vazquez will see time at second base.

Vazquez has made 58 starts at third base this season. On the year he is hitting .308 with six homers and 39 RBIs in 89 games. Vazquez will likely be inserted at second when the team matches up against right-handed hurlers.

Arias was hitting .296 with seven home runs, 49 RBIs and 23 stolen bases in 104 games with Triple-A Oklahoma. Arias will likely see time at second base when the team faces left-handed pitchers.

Fantasy owners of Kinsler have to be extremely disappointed, especially with the year he is having. To make things worse, he could be out for the season if surgery is required. Kinsler owners should closely monitor his situation and look for long-term replacements if he requires surgery. For now stash him on a DL spot or on the bench if you have the room.

Arias and Vazquez will be platooning at second base with Kinsler hurt, according to manager Ron Washington. Keeping this in mind, Arias and Vazquez will have limited fantasy value based on matchups. Vazquez could be picked up off the waiver wire in deep mixed leagues if the club is expected to face a string of right-handers, but it's a desperate move; otherwise, he should be acquired in AL-only formats. Arias' value is limited to deep AL-only formats, although owners should keep their eyes on the 23-year-old in case he begins to earn more playing time.

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Keith Hernandez

Keith, an editor with KFFL, joined the team as a Hot off the Wire analyst in 2008 and has been playing fantasy sports since 2005. He is involved in MLB, NFL and NASCAR content. He graduated from the University of California-San Diego in 2005 with a B.A. in Communications and was a four-year starter as a member of the baseball program.

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