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The banged-up Texas Rangers continue to deal with injuries as they prepare for a weekend series in Seattle against the Mariners. They received some encouraging news and some disappointing news on Thursday. Kevin Kouzmanoff, last week's AL player of the week, is headed back to Dallas to be evaluated by back specialist Dr. Drew Dossett. Kouzmanoff's lower back was still sore on Thursday. The club has to make a roster decision before activating third baseman Adrian Beltre on Friday and they'd like to know the extent of Kouzmanoff's injury and whether he needs to go on the disabled list. Kouzmanoff has been one of the hottest hitters in the league the past two weeks, batting .362 (17-for-47) with eight extra-base hits and 10 RBIs in 13 games with Beltre on the DL with a mild quad strain. Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo reported improvement in his sprained left ankle and general manager Jon Daniels believes the leadoff hitter can avoid the DL. The club has not decided when he will return to the lineup. He has missed the last two games after injuring the ankle Monday in Oakland. Left-handed reliever Pedro Figueroa, who was placed on the DL this week with elbow inflammation, has a torn UCL and damage to his flexor tendon and will probably have Tommy John surgery next week. Former closer Neftali Feliz is on the minor league disabled list with soreness in his elbow, but does not have any structural damage. The club hopes he can start throwing again next week.
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