Lineup Rundown: Hamilton Gets Day Off, Kinsler Returns

The lineups are in for today’s matinee matchup between the Oakland Athletics and the Texas Rangers in Arlington, and while there are no real surprises to speak of from the Rangers’ end of things, there are a couple of changes from Wednesday night’s victory.

First, Josh Hamilton will ride his 16-game hitting streak into... a planned day off. Manager Ron Washington has been diligent to the point of (what some might call) stubbornness when it comes to planning days or rest for his starters (Michael Young and Mike Napoli were both given off Monday for instance) and Thursday is just Hamilton’s turn.

Second, second baseman Ian Kinsler will return to the lineup after getting a wholly unexpected night off Wednesday, when he came down with a stomach virus. In 11at-bats against Oakland starter (and former teammate) Brandon McCarthy, Kinsler has three hits including a double, two walks and an RBI, for a .273 average.

Matt Harrison will toe the slab for the Rangers, as they look for the sweep.