Napoli Returns To Rangers' Lineup

Rangers fans will be glad to hear that Mike Napoli has returned to the Texas lineup today after missing Wednesday’s game--either as a precaution following a beanball scare in Tuesday’s victory over the Mariners or, as Ron Washington insisted, just because it was a scheduled day off.

Napoli is playing first base in today’s get-away game with Seattle, just two days after wearing a fastball out of the hand of Mariners’ starter Blake Beavan on the side of the helmet.

Even before today’s 1:05 PM first pitch, Napoli--who passed a concussion test as he made his way to first following the hit by pitch--insisted that he was fine.

"Everything is good, just a little soreness," Napoli said, per ESPN Dallas. "I guess it's a contusion, a little sore. I'm good."

Napoli went on to say that such soreness, whether it be in his head or elsewhere, is just part of his job.

"I'm fine. That's probably the grind of catching," said Napoli. "I signed up for it. I enjoy it. [It's] bumps and bruises. You're going to have them during the year."