Kinsler Update and Other Texas Rangers Notes

ARLINGTON - Ian Kinsler said Sunday morning that he feels no ill effects from being hit in the eighth inning on Saturday night and, after a post-game chat with Boston catcher Jason Varitek, has no ill will toward the Red Sox.

In Monday night’s game against Minnesota lefty Francisco Liriano, Rangers manager Ron Washington plans to sit left-handed hitting Julio Borbon, return Kinsler to the top of the order and start recent call-up Kevin Richardson to give Taylor Teagarden a night off.

Kinsler said the inside fastball from reliever Fernando Cabrera first struck his left shoulder, then his helmet. That followed being buzzed by Manny Delcarmen an inning earlier: “It didn’t really get me that good. Me and Varitek had some words [right after he was hit]. We were able to talk after the game and figure it out. We’ve already put it behind us. They were trying to throw me in all day yesterday. Manny Delcarmen obviously lost one up and in. I know Manny; he’s not going to do anything like that. I guess getting out of the way is something you’ve got to live with. It’s obvious they weren’t throwing at me.”

Washington doesn’t expect the umpiring crew to talk to both teams before Sunday’s game about pitching inside. No warnings were delivered to the dugouts on Saturday night, though home plate umpire Angel Hernandez did warn Neftali Feliz before the ninth inning.

As Washington had previously indicated, he plans to move Kinsler back to leadoff against the Minnesota lefty on Monday night and sit Borbon. Richardson will provide Teagarden his first full day off since Wednesday. Washington said Richardson’s familiarity with Monday starter Tommy Hunter played a part in his decision.

Sunday will mark Teagarden’s fourth consecutive appearance, which including coming in Friday night when Jarrod Saltalamacchia left the game with hand numbness following shoulder fatigue on the recent road trip. Washington said Saltalamacchia, placed on the disabled list on Saturday, will undergo more tests this week.

Feliz said after Saturday night’s game that he would be prepared to pitch again Sunday after working two inning, that he wants to help the team however possible. Washington said he considers Feliz unavailable for Sunday. C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco each have a day’s rest. Washington said Francisco has shrugged off Friday night’s loss. “Like everybody else [on the team] reacted. He’ll bounce back.”