Ian Kinsler

Mets third baseman David Wright and Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda were released from the hospital Sunday and Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler was back in the lineup after all three took balls off their heads Saturday. New York spokesman Jay Horwitz said Wright was examined by a neurologist Saturday night and again Sunday morning before being sent home. The All-Star third baseman still had a headache and was experiencing "post-concussion symptoms," Horwitz said. Wright was hit square on the helmet by a 94 mph fastball from Matt Cain in New York's 5-4, 10-inning loss to the San Francisco Giants. When asked if Wright could ... Read Full Story

David Wright has been reduced to a spectator since a beanball sent him to the hospital two weeks ago. The New York Mets slugger hopes to return to the lineup Tuesday and isn't taking any chances. He's planning to wear Rawlings' bulky, new S100 batting helmet if it arrives in time for the game at Coors Field. "I imagine they got some pretty smart people that designed them so I'm sure it works pretty good," the All-Star third baseman said. "If it provides more safety, then I'm all for it." The helmet has drawn some barbs. Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster wore it and ... Read Full Story

Tommy Hunter earned his first career victory on his 23rd birthday, Hank Blalock homered and the Texas Rangers won their third in a row, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 Friday night. Hunter (1-1) was making his sixth career start and third this season. The right-hander allowed three hits and struck out five in 5 1-3 innings to help slow down baseball's top-scoring offense. Jason Jennings, C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco pitched 3 2-3 innings of scoreless relief to complete the three-hitter, which equals the fewest hits Tampa Bay has had this season. Francisco pitched a perfect ninth for his 13th save. Blalock, who ... Read Full Story

Jarrod Saltalamachia broke a tie with a two-run homer in the seventh, Scott Feldman bounced back from his worst start of the season with seven strong innings, and the Texas Rangers beat the Seattle Mariners 4-2 on Sunday night. With the score tied, Nelson Cruz led off the seventh with a single off reliever Jack White (2-2). One out later, Saltalamacchia belted White's first pitch off the foul pole in right field for his ninth homer of the season. Feldman (10-4) gave up two runs and five hits with four strikeouts and two walks, extending his career-best win total and assuming the team lead ... Read Full Story

Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler, out since July 28 with a strained left hamstring, will begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment at Double-A Frisco on Wednesday. Kinsler, batting .242 with 23 homers and 63 RBIs, will play two games with Frisco. He is scheduled to rejoin the Rangers at home Friday when they open a series against Boston. Kinsler went through several drills on the field before Tuesday night's game against Cleveland. He then left for Tulsa, where Frisco starts a series Wednesday. "He had a good workout," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "He did everything. Hopefully he'll be ready Friday." Kinsler was ... Read Full Story