Other than Matt Harrison's back, Jurickson Profar's shoulder is probably the biggest concern going through the Texas Rangers' camp right now. The 21-year-old (as of Thursday) second baseman has been dealing with shoulder tendinitis. He was cleared to begin throwing on Wednesday and then promptly was shut down again after experiencing some more pain and stiffness.
Rangers GM Jon Daniels has since pretty much all but said anymore setbacks could put Profar in a position where he won't be ready for Opening Day on March 31, which would likely mean an Adam Rosales or Brent Lillibridge start at second base — not exactly what the Rangers envisioned when they traded away longtime second baseman Ian Kinsler for Prince Fielder to clear a role for their young phenom.
“I’m just going to make sure I’m 100 percent,” Profar told The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant. “I’m not worried about dates right now, I’m just going to make sure I’m ready. I’m going to do whatever it takes.”
That seems to be a sound strategy. If Profar isn't ready until April 3 or April 12, or whatever, then he needs to wait unitl then to play. But you can bet the Rangers want Chuck Morgan announcing Profar's name on March 31, not any of those other guys'.
