Rangers notes: Chirinos returns to lineup with hopes of proving postseason worthy

The Rangers’ No. 1 catcher Robinson Chirinos started Wednesday night for the first time since Sept. 9.

It’s only his second start since going down with a shoulder injury July 30. Although Chris Gimenez has been outstanding the past two months, Chirinos’ return bodes well for the Rangers in the postseason.

It’s a moment Chirinos didn’t foresee a month ago.

“I thought my season was over,” said Chirinos, who threw out Rajai Davis trying to steal for the last out in the top of the third then hit a solo home run to left-center leading off the bottom of the inning.

“Thank God it was not and I was able to get back on the field and play the game I love. I feel great. I was excited to see my name in the lineup.”

Chirinos doubled as a pinch-hitter Monday night. He’s been catching simulated games in the batting cages and working with first base coach and former catcher Hector Ortiz and says his body feels good. The idea of not being on the Rangers’ postseason roster was something Chirinos feared. Just a week ago it appeared to be the case.

“I don’t think anybody in this clubhouse doesn’t want to be on that playoff roster, especially myself,” he said. “That’s why we play the game, to win and have a chance to go to the playoffs and win the World Series.”

Manager Jeff Banister has confidence Chirinos can physically handle the rigors of being behind the plate for nine innings.

“The catching side of it there was no reservation really,” said Banister, who indicated he’d decide on his catcher the rest of the way based on matchups and how Chirinos is feeling. “I feel confident that he’s in shape because of what he and Hector have been doing every single day.”

Banister is cognizant of the playoff roster rules, however, that don’t allow an injured player to return. If, for instance, Chirinos was on the roster for an American League Division Series and re-injured his shoulder, he wouldn’t be available in the ALCS if the Rangers advanced.

“When you have a guy who is kind of borderline you want to make sure he’s relatively healthy and can do what you’re going to ask him to do,” Banister said.

Holland’s quest

Derek Holland knows how big a game the series opener against the Los Angeles Angels is Thursday night. At this point for the Rangers, they’re all big.

“This is what we play for, these are the moments that count,” said Holland, who is hoping to shake off four consecutive subpar starts. “These are the big games. It’s a big series, they’re right behind us.”

Holland has refused to use any excuses for his struggles, including his lack of innings, his recovery from an April shoulder injury or the pain in his throwing hand after being struck by a batted ball in his last start.

“I have to go out and pitch no matter what. I know I’m able to pitch and it’s not something that’s going to hurt the team,” he said. “I have to do my job and execute my pitches and command the zone. That’s the big thing. That’s what has hurt me every time, not being able to command my pitches.”

The magnitude of the game, Holland said, won’t affect him either way.

“I’ve just got to be me. Who cares about rising to the occasion or any of those things,” he said. “These are big games, no doubt. We’re still trying to claim our spot in the West and also get into the playoffs and go from there.”

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 7:42 PM with the headline "Rangers notes: Chirinos returns to lineup with hopes of proving postseason worthy."