Kinsler OK After Collision

Ian Kinsler has played in three games since returning from a month-long stint on the disabled list with a strained rib cage muscle, and the third time was almost definitely not the charm for the Texas Rangers' second baseman.

After reaching base, Kinsler scored from second base on a two-run single from A.J. Pierzynski, but it wasn't without some drama at the plate.

Kinsler collided with Oakland catcher John Jaso, more specifically Jaso's mask, and suffered a gash on his jaw that required three stitches between innings, as well as a concussion test to be sure Kinsler was OK to return to the game.

The game was delayed for about eight minutes while Kinsler was stitched up between innings and the Rangers' ball boy had taken Jurickson Profar, who was starting in place of Elvis Andrus at shortstop, a second baseman's glove with the anticipation he might have to replace Kinsler before the Rangers' second baseman finally trotted out of the dugout to the cheer of the Rangers' fans.

Bloodied and bandaged, Kinsler finished the game and appears to have nothing but a flesh wound, but a concussion would have been a big blow to the Rangers, who are still trying to re-discover their offense and have seen Kinsler pick up three hits over the past two games.

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