David Murphy declared himself “good to go” for the ALDS after running in the outfield and on the bases today, according to Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com. Murphy has been sidelined since last Wednesday due to a strained left groin.
“I ran pretty hard,” Murphy said. “I can’t say that I ran 100 percent, but I ran good enough to where if I was going to play the outfield or run the bases, it’s good enough. I don’t think anybody expects me to be 100 percent after six days. If I’m just going to be playing an inning or two here or there for the next few days and get a day off on Friday, I’m definitely good to go.”
The Rangers aren’t expected to officially announce their roster until tomorrow morning, but Murphy will almost certainly be there.
Rangers manager Ron Washington has already announced that he plans to start Jeff Francoeur in right field for Game 1 on Wednesday and Julio Borbon for Game 2 on Thursday, so Murphy will come off the bench in the early part of the series. It’s possible that he could return to the starting lineup when the series shifts to Arlington for Game 3 on Saturday.