General manager Jon Daniels indicated Friday that Rua (ankle) will likely end up on the disabled list, Anthony Andro of Fox Sports Southwest reports.

Rua's injury was believed to be an ankle sprain, but it appears the issue may be worse than that. He left the clubhouse Friday wearing a walking boot, and now it appears a DL stint is on the horizon. If that turns out to be the case, Jake Smolinski and Delino DeShields Jr. could be in line for more starts in his place.

Rua left Friday's game with a right ankle sprain after running into a corner in the outfield.

X-rays were negative, which is good, and Rua will be further evaluated Friday night. Derek Holland and Shin-Soo Choo had already left Friday's game with injuries, so the Rangers' injury woes from 2014 seem to still be lingering. Should Rua miss significant time, Jake Smolinski and Delino DeShields should see extended run in the outfield. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Rua had the lone hit for the Rangers on Opening Day in a loss to the Athletics, picking up a single in the eighth inning after striking out earlier in the game.

Had it not been for Rua, Sonny Gray may have been able to pick up a no-hitter. Still, Gray largely embarrassed the Rangers' lineup, only walking one batter in eight innings. In his rookie season last year, Rua only appeared in 28 games bjut had 14 RBIs and an OPS of .740.

Rua will likely be the Rangers' starting left fielder, with Jake Smolinski serving as the fourth outfielder, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Rua and Smolinksi were both told that they'll make the Opening Day roster, while Delino DeShields Jr. has yet to get similar feedback. Although he may eventually slide back to a platoon role, Rua apparently has a shot to be a near-everyday player to start the season. Part of the motivation may be Smolinski's versatility, as Rua is only viewed as an option for left field and first base. Smolinski has some experience playing right field and in the infield.

Rua was told that he will make the Opening Day roster, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

The same goes for Jake Smolinski, who can help in both the infield and outfield. Rua could be a regular in the lineup against left-handed pitching, but he probably won't see much work when the Rangers face right-handers. He figures to get most of his at-bats from left field, with occasional work as a DH or first baseman.

Rua connected for his first homer of the spring in Monday's game.

Left field remains an open, and crowded, competition with three weeks to go before the season opener. Ruan's 24 at-bats is tied for the team lead this spring, and he now has three extra-base hits in exhibition play.

Rua is on the long list of candidates competing for the Rangers' starting left field job this spring, the team's official site reports.

In addition to seeking a starting left fielder, the Rangers are looking for a DH, a fourth outfielder, and another bench player. Rua hit well at Double-A and Triple-A last season, pushing his way to Texas for a 28-game stretch. He offers power from the right side and versatility, but his defense in left field is considered a work in progress. If he's able to secure a starting role at any point during the season, his power will make him an intriguing player to target.

Rua is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Athletics.

Rua has been a nice surprise for the Rangers since being called up Aug. 29, hitting .273 with seven RBI and a stolen base over 66 at-bats. Though he'll be rested Wednesday, his versatility should allow him to play on a near-everyday basis the rest of the way.

Rua is in the lineup Sunday against the Astros for the third straight game.

With neither J.P. Arencibia or Mike Carp proving to be tenable solutions at first base, Rua has received the opportunity to stake his claim to a starting role following his Friday call-up. He's produced two hits in eight at-bats, but will probably need to offer a little more offensive punch than that if he hopes to ward off his competitors for regular at-bats.

The Rangers called up Rua from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reports.

Rua earned his first trip to the majors by posting an .886 OPS in 58 games with Round Rock this season. He handled both right-handers and left-handers well this season, but most of his action with the big club figures to come against southpaws.