Elvis Andrus shut down by Rangers

This was one injury the Rangers didn’t see coming.

Amidst pitching injuries, catchers with bone problems in their ankles, and an aging third baseman with iffy legs, the Rangers were probably counting on their franchise shortstop to be good for the season. Elvis Andrus has been battling some shoulder problems this Spring Training, having taken a few off days here and there to rest it and hopefully get it up to everyday standards.

With a few more throwing errors however, and the observation that Andrus hasn’t had the same strength on his throws to first, the Rangers have made a decision to shut down the 25-year old. Andrus, who wasn’t aware until media told him, was scratched from Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs. Now, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Andrus will not throw at least until Friday and is scheduled to see a specialist.

Depth wise, the Rangers have several utility players that could take Andrus’ spot for now. Brent Lillibridge, Adam Rosales, and Kevin Kouzmanoff are all being considered for utility infielder spots, although Kouzmanoff is more likely a corner infielder. The Rangers had toyed with the idea of moving Jurickson Profar off of second base to his more natural shortstop, but manager Ron Washington has stated that he wants Profar to take every rep he can at second.