Texas Rangers Outfielder Leody Taveras Headed to Injured List

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that Leody Taveras is out Opening Day against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Tuesday that center fielder Leody Taveras is headed to the injured list before Opening Day against the Philadelphia Phillies.

"Yeah, that's without question," Bochy said before the exhibition game against the Kansas City Royals. "Although he had a really good day yesterday, so that's how we're preparing. So unless something comes up in the next day, I don't see that changing.

"I don't think it's going to be long until he gets back, but we'll have to replace him."

Candidates to start in center for Thursday's opener at Globe Life Field include Adolis García, Bubba Thompson or Travis Jankowski. García has started in 121 games in center the last two years, and was in the lineup at that position again Tuesday against the Royals.  

Taveras suffered a low-grade oblique strain three weeks ago and hasn't played since March 3. The Rangers are still finalizing their roster ahead of Opening Day.

“You never know what can happen in the next day or so,” Bochy said.

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You can find Alex Plinck on Twitter @aplinckTX.

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