Moreland ready for Rangers after stress fracture in 2015

As best as Mitch Moreland could tell, his off-season preparations went off without a hitch, which is significant considering his last two months of last season had a hitch.

Moreland finished 2015 with a stress fracture in his left foot, the same one that was rebuilt in June 2014. No surgery was needed, no single event caused the injury, and he found a way to manage the pain without sacrificing too much of what speed he has.

“It might have cost me a step or two, but I’ve never been known for my speed. I just kept playing,” said Moreland, who has been in Arizona since Feb. 1. “I’ve had a whole healthy off-season, and went about it pretty good.”

The first baseman wasn’t distracted by his contract situation as the last of the arbitration-eligible players to sign. He and the Rangers narrowly avoided a hearing by agreeing on $5.7 million late Feb. 9.

Moreland also isn’t planning to let his future interfere this season. He can be a free agent for the first time next off-season.

“Our whole mindset ... and as far as me individually is the same way — be where you’re at today,” Moreland said. “Be in the present. That’s the way I’m going to approach it.”

DeShields OK

Lost in all the hubbub about Josh Hamilton’s health is that he wasn’t the only Rangers starting outfielder who finished the season with concerns about his left knee.

Center fielder Delino DeShields played down the stretch with a sprain after a wonky slide in early September at Seattle. The injury did not require off-season surgery, and DeShields, who is already at Rangers camp, said that he is ready to go.

“I had a lot of time to rest up and recuperate,” DeShields said. “I’ve been able to do all the things I normally do.”

The second-year player is noticeably more muscular in his upper body, but not to the point that it will prevent him from being the Rangers’ fastest player. DeShields appears to be a lock for the roster, but he isn’t complacent.

He acknowledges that he has a different role than last spring, when he was a long shot to make the roster. Yet, he has convinced himself that he is fighting to make the team with James Jones and Lewis Brinson.

“It’s never a sure thing,” DeShields said. “Coming into spring training, I know people are saying I have a good chance to be the starting center fielder, but I’m still going to compete like I’m fighting for the last spot on the roster. If it so happens that I am the center fielder, great. But I’m not going to come into spring training comfortable.”

Briefly

▪ Jurickson Profar has completed his throwing program without any issues. He’ll exclusively play shortstop early in camp to lessen the strain on his arm.

▪ The Rangers Foundation 50/50 raffle called Texas 2 Split will begin with the April 1 exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians at Globe Life Park. Fans can purchase raffle tickets at every Rangers home game through the sixth inning at one of six kiosks at the park or on a mobile device. More information is at texasrangers.com/

texas2split.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 1:04 PM with the headline "Moreland ready for Rangers after stress fracture in 2015."