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Jeff Baker injured, can't play the field

Jeff Baker is dealing with a groin injury which prevents him from playing the field right now, complicating Ron Washington's lineup decisions tonight

By Adam J. Morris
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

As if the Rangers didn't have enough problems right now with their position players, Jeff Baker is reportedly dealing with a groin injury that has him unable to play in the field right now.

Normally, with a lefthander on the mound for the opponent (Matt Moore is starting for the Rays tonight), Baker would start at first base.  However, with him being unable to play in the field, the Rangers will probably go with Mitch Moreland (who has shown some signs of life lately) at first base, although Adam Rosales and Robinson Chirinos are also possibilities.

My guess is that Baker will DH, and the outfield will be Craig Gentry, Leonys Martin and Alex Rios, with Geovany Soto behind the plate.  Unless you put Engel Beltre out there, that is probably the best defensive alignment the Rangers can go with right now.

Yu Darvish, of course, is on the mound, and will be asked to salvage a split in the series.