Napoli's Ankle Still Bothersome

Remember this gruesome image of Mike Napoli's ankle twisting in a really unnatural way? I bet Napoli remembers it vividly.

The Texas Rangers' catcher, who took the league by storm after the all-star break and snatched the starting catching job from Yorvit Torrealba's hands, is still recovering from a high-ankle sprain suffered four months ago.

Though he has to tape his ankle up all nice and tight, Napoli is working out and is insisting he'll be ready to go for Opening Day, which is a good thing if you're a Texas Rangers fan.

"I sprained it pretty good," Napoli told MLB.com. "Sometimes a high-ankle sprain takes awhile. I've heard some people (say) it's better to break it. I've sprained ankles before, but not like that. I was told it would take awhile."

Napoli, who will also see some time at first base and as a designated hitter, hit .320 last year with 30 home runs and 75 RBIs in just 432 plate appearances, often hitting out of the No. 7 or No. 8 hole in the order.
 
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