Ian Kinsler

Ian Kinsler (illness) is back in the Rangers’ starting lineup Thursday afternoon against the A’s.

Kinsler was scratched from Wednesday’s night game against Oakland, and the presumption was that he would also sit out the matinee. But he showed up feeling much better on Thursday morning and is an obvious must-start in fantasy leagues. Kinsler is batting .275/.356/.471 with five home runs, five stolen bases and 33 runs scored in 36 games this season.

Ian Kinsler was scratched from Wednesday’s lineup due to a stomach virus.

He should be OK in a day or two. Alberto Gonzalez will make the start at second base and is hitting second.

Ian Kinsler is not in Monday’s lineup against the Royals.

He’s just getting the night off. Alberto Gonzalez will make the start at second base while Elvis Andrus slides into the leadoff spot.

Ian Kinsler went 2-for-3 and drove home three runs as the Rangers fell to the Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Kinsler doubled home a pair of runs in the Rangers five run second inning, and drove home another on a fielder’s choice in the fourth inning to put the Rangers ahead 6-4. He’s been one of the best hitters in the American League in the early part of the season, as he’s now hitting .303 with five homers and 15 RBI.

Ian Kinsler lead off the first inning with his fifth homer of the season to lead the Rangers to a 2-0 victory over the Yankees on Tuesday.

The homer was Kinsler’s only hit in three trips, but was all Yu Darvish would need to defeat the Yankees in this one. Kinsler has started the season out very strong, hitting .284 with five homers and 12 RBI in the early going. He’s one of the most dynamic players in the game and looks poised to challenge 30/30 once again as long as he remains healthy.

Ian Kinsler continued having his way with pitchers on Thursday, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBI.

What does Kinsler mean to the Rangers? His OPS in 414 career wins is .957, while OPS in 371 career losses is .675. Texas is sizzling at 11-2, and the team’s second baseman is playing like an MVP candidate.

Ian Kinsler went 3-for-4 and scored three of the Rangers’ five runs Thursday against the Mariners.

Kinsler is off to a fantastic start, with a .370 average and three homers already. What he hadn’t done until today was steal a base. He notched his first today after being caught on his first two attempts of the season. That’s quite a change from last year, when he was 30-of-34 stealing bases.

Rangers signed 2B Ian Kinsler to a five-year, $75 million contract extension with a $10 million club option for 2018.

Kinsler will make $70 million over the five years while the option (which could vest at $12 million) includes a $5 million buyout. His $15 million AAV (average annual value) is the highest ever for a second baseman, surpassing Dan Uggla’s five-year, $62 million deal with the Braves from last offseason. However, Chase Utley’s seven-year, $85 million deal with the Phillies is still the most in total value. The Rangers have made it a priority to lock up their core players and impending free agents Mike Napoli, Josh Hamilton and Colby Lewis could be next on the list.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that Ian Kinsler’s contract extension with the Rangers does not include a no-trade clause.

The Rangers and Kinsler have agreed to a five-year, $75 million extension with a club option for 2018, pending a physical. The no-trade clause is tltimately not a big deal, as his 10-and-5 rights will kick in midway through the extension. The deal is expected to be made official Tuesday.