Robinson Chirinos has broken right forearm

Robinson Chirinos, the Texas Rangers' starting catcher, has a broken right forearm, according to the beat guys on Twitter.  Chirinos suffered the injury when he was hit on the arm by a pitch in the fifth inning.  No initial word how long he will be out, but clearly, he's headed for the disabled list.

This is devastating news, as catcher is an area where the Rangers are lacking depth.  Chirinos is a solid starter, but behind him you have Bryan Holaday, who is a middling backup, and really no one else of note.  Chris Gimenez is still injured, and presumably, when he's ready to return from the d.l., he'll split time with Holaday, but for now the Rangers need a backup.  Brett Nicholas, the catcher for the Round Rock Express, will presumably be called up tomorrow so the Rangers have a backup catcher available.  In the medium-term, the Rangers may re-open discussions with the San Diego Padres about Derek Norris, or possibly check back in with the Brewers on Jonathan Lucroy.

The Chirinos news is on top of the injury to Shin-Soo Choo, who has a strained calf.  Given the short bench the Rangers are dealing with, you have to think Nomar Mazara will also be called up tomorrow, just so the Rangers have someone to fill in in the outfield while Choo is healing, even if Choo isn't going to be on the d.l. right away.