Gerald

Laird

Laird, who tore the ligament in the thumb early in the season, may need surgery to correct the problem.

Laird will make $325,000 in the majors and $240,000 in the minors. He’s expected to play for Triple-A Oklahoma initially, but he should be back as the Rangers’ top catcher before the end of the year.

Laird reported some dizziness, but he should be back in the lineup this weekend.

Laird is batting .364 against righties and .300 against southpaws. He’s thrown out six of the 13 runners who have attempted to steal against him, and his pitch calling has the Rangers ranked fourth in the AL in ERA. With Oakland’s Bobby Crosby hitting .200 and Minnesota’s Joe Mauer injured, Laird has the early lead for AL Rookie of the Year.

The Rangers know what Einar Diaz and Todd Greene can do. Diaz is signed for $2.5 million next season so he may remain the starter, though Laird could contend for a job. He’ll play a lot this month, but shouldn’t have much value.

The Rangers hope this will help in his rehabilitation process, and are still hoping for a mid-August return from their rookie catcher.

He caught Jeff Nelson’s simulated game in the bullpen yesterday and felt fine. When Laird returns to action, he will have a battle on his hands for playing time with the surprising Rod Barajas.

He caught his second game in a row for Triple-A Oklahoma last night without any difficulties.

Laird didn’t like the way Kennedy had dived into pitches on Monday night, and told him so. Kennedy took exception to the rookie’s comments and threw a punch. A brawl then took place. The Rangers and Angels do not anticipate that any disciplinary action will be taken against any of the players involved. Boys will be boys.

Laird has recovered from a torn left thumb ligament three weeks early, and will share time with Rod Barajas when he arrives in Texas this weekend.