Ian Kinsler activated, leading off for the Rangers

Per the beat writers on Twitter, the Rangers have activated second baseman Ian Kinsler from the disabled list, and have optioned infielder Leury Garcia to AAA to make room for him on the active roster.

Kinsler is hitting leadoff today.

Kinsler was expected to not be activated until Sunday or Monday, but with the team's ongoing struggles, Jeff Baker's injury, and Leury Garcia playing in a fashion that has Ron Washington not wanting to put him on the field, Kinsler has been brought back from his rehab assignment early.

This means that Jurickson Profar is sticking, at least for now, as the team's utility infielder. Jon Daniels has said before Profar wasn't going to be on the roster unless he got regular playing time, so we'll have to see how Ron Washington utilizes Profar going forward. It wouldn't surprise me if the Rangers ended up landing a veteran UIF at some point in the next few weeks, with Profar going back to AAA to play every day.

This afternoon's lineup:

Kinsler -- 2B

Elvis -- SS

Berkman -- DH

Beltre -- 3B

Pierzynski -- C

Cruz -- RF

Murphy -- LF

McGuiness -- 1B

Leonys -- CF