Texas Rangers more optimistic about Robinson Chirinos’ ankle, but he may miss opener
Robinson Chirinos woke up Tuesday morning with his right ankle feeling better than he expected it would after it was rolled up Monday night in a play at home plate at Globe LIfe Field.
Manager Chris Woodward said afterward he was concerned about Chirinos’ availability for Opening Day on July 24. The early word Tuesday left him more optimistic, albeit cautiously so.
Chirinos could miss the season opener.
“We’ll take it day by day, but there is a slight chance he may be ready for the start of the season or may be down for the beginning of the year,” Woodward said.
The bases were loaded Monday in the second inning when first baseman Todd Frazier fielded a chopper and threw home. Scott Heineman raced in from third and slid into the plate, hitting Chirinos’ ankle.
Chirinos sat on the field for a few minutes while being examined by head athletic trainer Matt Lucero. Chirinos was walking gingerly as he exited the game and went down the dugout steps toward the clubhouse.
Images (fluoroscans) were negative, and Jose Trevino jogged from the bullpen to replace Chirinos. Trevino’s role on the team would grow if Chirinos is out to start the season.
The Rangers were planning to carry three catchers on the opening 30-man roster — Chirinos, Jeff Mathis and Trevino.
“I’ve been dying to get him in there,” Woodward said. “I didn’t want our starting catcher to go down, but I feel pretty comfortable that Jose can fill in and do a good job for us.”
Left fielder Willie Calhoun also departed early as a precaution after feeling tightness in his right hip flexor. He was sent for an MRI exam Tuesday morning, the results of which were still pending.
The Rangers, though, believe he has a strain that could keep him out of the opener.
This story was originally published July 14, 2020 at 6:27 PM.
