Smolinski is expected to open the season as the Rangers' fourth outfielder, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Smolinski and Ryan Rua were both told that they'll make the Opening Day roster, and while Smolinski was once viewed as the favorite to get most of the playing time in left field, it now appears Rua will fill that role. Smolinski is the more versatile of the two players, and it's still quite possible he gets more at-bats than Rua, especially if Rua struggles against right-handed pitching early on.

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

There wasn't really much question, as Smolinski is considered the favorite to open the season as the Rangers' starting left fielder. Ryan Rua, another candidate for playing time in left field, was also told that he will be on the Opening Day roster.

Smolinski enters Friday's game hitting .364 in nine games but hasn't locked down the left-field spot, the team's web site reports.

The competition remains largely unchanged since spring began, with just Michael Choice removed from the battle to date.

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

Along with Michael Choice and Ryan Rua, Smolinski may be near the top of the list of potential candidate. The Rangers are also looking for a fourth outfielder and another bench player, roles that Smolinski may be better suited for after reaching the big leagues for the first time as a 25-year-old last season.

Smolinski went 1-for-5 with a run scored and two RBI as he hit his second homer of the year on Friday against the Angels.

Since being activated from the DL on Tuesday, Smolinski has gone 7-for-18 with two home runs, four runs scored and four RBI while displaying a .389 batting average. Smolinski should continue to see regular at-bats for the remainder of the season.

Smolinski went 4-for-5 with a run scored and RBI in Thursday's win at Oakland.

Smolinski has hit safely in all three games since being activated from the DL, with a homer and three RBI during that span.

Smolinski hit the first home run of his career Tuesday, going 1-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.

Fresh off the DL, Smolinski jumped right back into action and immediately earned himself a personal keepsake. He returns to a fine .375/.432/.525 slash line in 40-at-bats this year.

Smolinski (foot) was activated from the disabled list Tuesday, Rangers VP of Comm. John Blake reports.

Smolinski is ready to play again after recovering from a foot injury he suffered in late July. Expect him to serve as a part-time outfielder for the Rangers the rest of the way.

Smolinksi (foot) will travel with the team to Oakland and is expected to be healthy enough to return to the lineup, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Smolinksi has been sidelined since late July, but the hamstring injury to Michael Choice figures to free up some at-bats for Smolinksi.

Smolinksi (foot) has resumed taking batting practice but has yet to run the bases, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

There's hope that Smolinksi will be able to return this season, though he's clearly running out of time.

Smolinski (foot) will be in a walking boot for the next two-to-three weeks, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

With the latest setback, Smolinski may be unavailable to return to the Rangers before late August or early September.

Smolinski, who was originally diagnosed with a bad bruise on his left foot, actually has a cracked bone and will not come off the DL when eligible on Wednesday, MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reports.

He is still doing treatment and rehab and is limited in which baseball activities he can participate in. It's not clear when the corner outfielder will return to the Rangers' lineup, but it could be at least a couple weeks. In the meantime Jim Adduci and Mike Carp will get the bulk of the starts in left field.

Rangers placed OF Jake Smolinski on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 22, with a bone bruise in his left foot.

X-rays on Smolinski's foot came back clean, but he's sore enough to where the Rangers figured it would be best to give him a couple weeks off. Jerome Williams has taken his spot on the roster.

Jake Smolinski left Monday's game versus the Yankees with a bruised left foot.

Smolinski fouled a ball off the foot. It's not clear at this point whether he'll go for X-rays or if the Rangers are convinced it's a minor issue.

Jake Smolinski returned to action on Saturday July 12.

Jake Smolinski is considered day-to-day after being diagnosed with a left elbow contusion.

Smolinski was forced to leave Friday's game after being hit by a pitch. The good news, is that X-rays came back negative, so he should be good to go in a day or two.

Jake Smolinski singled, doubled twice, scored twice, and drove in three runs as the Rangers were hammered in a loss to the Angels on Thursday.

Smolinski has been on fire to begin his major league career, as he has had back-to-back-to-back multi-hit games in his first three big league starts. The 25-year-old outfielder doubled in two runs in the first inning to cut the Angels' lead to 4-2, and doubled in another run in the ninth inning. In 14 plate appearances, Smolinski has eight hits (including three doubles) and four RBI.

Jake Smolinski had three more hits Wednesday and is 5-for-10 since being called up by the Rangers on Monday.

Smolinski's minor league averages the last five years have ranged from .245 to .267, so expecting him to keep racking up hits in the majors is asking for a lot. He could have some short-term AL-only value for the Rangers, but he's not a good rest-of-season bet.

Rangers purchased the contract of OF Jake Smolinski from Triple-A Round Rock.

Smolinski, 25, was batting .267/.349/.459 with 10 home runs and 41 RBI over 80 games this season between Double- and Triple-A. He'll function as a utility player for Texas.

Rangers signed OF Jake Smolinski to a minor league contract.

Smolinski was the 70th overall pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft but just reached the Triple-A level this season. The 24-year-old will function as organizational depth for the Rangers. He was drafted as a middle infielder but now plays exclusively in the outfield.