Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler went on the 15-day disabled list on Monday due to a sports hernia suffered during Sunday’s game with the Tampa Bay Rays.  Kinsler was replaced by infielder Joaquin Arias who was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma.  Now, the question is, will Kinsler’s All-Star 2008 season end due to the injury?

Kinsler noticed the injury in the first inning when he felt discomfort in his left groin while fielding a grounder and later felt the same sensation while running out a groundout in the seventh.  Kinsler was removed after the second injury and had an MRI on Monday which revealed the sports hernia. 

Now, Kinsler will have a second opinion from a recommended specialist to see if surgery is necessary.  If Kinsler needs surgery his ‘08 campaign is likely over.  There is still a possibility Kinsler may not have a sports hernia and could recover with rehabilitation but based on the initial diagnosis surgery is more likely.

With Kinsler out of the lineup, the Rangers expect to use Arias against left-handed pitching and Ramon Vazquez against right-handed pitching at second.