SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Second baseman Jurickson Profar is expected to miss 10-12 weeks after suffering a slight muscle tear in his right shoulder.
The injury to Profar's teres major muscle does not require surgery. He's expected to have four to six weeks of limited baseball activities before easing into hitting before starting a throwing program.
"All of it is unfortunate," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We're a big league club and this just gives someone else an opportunity to show what they can do.
"Our job is to keep (the) clubhouse in order and do the best we can to help them continue to believe, because I believe."
Assistant general manager Thad Levine said Profar injured his shoulder in the sixth inning of Saturday's game against Kansas City, while making a relay throw to first base as he tried to complete a double play started by third baseman Adrian Beltre.
"He felt some pain but was able play the rest of innings he was supposed to play," Levine said. "He came in today he was sore and based upon his previous injury he sustained we wanted to get an MRI.
"The MRI showed a tear that was adjacent to and different from the muscle he sustained a previous injury to. ... He should be a weapon for us in the second half of the season. Maybe a little bit earlier."
At this point, the Rangers aren't sure whether they will replace Profar with a player such as Josh Wilson or Adam Rosales, each of whom is still in camp. Or whether players in the minor leagues -- such as Brent Lillibridge, Kensuke Tanaka or Rougned Odor, the Rangers' top prospect -- are better options.
This has been a disappointing spring training for Profar, who was shut down a few days into spring training with shoulder tendinitis. Profar said he hurt his shoulder lifting weights.
Profar had been limited to designated hitter duty much of this spring because of the injury. Then he missed several days after having four wisdom teeth pulled.
Profar is one of baseball's top prospects and the Rangers traded Ian Kinsler in the offseason to create an opportunity for Profar to play every day.
Last year, he hit .234 with six homers and 26 RBIs in 286 at-bats while serving as a utility infielder. This spring, he's hitting just .222 with two homers and 11 RBIs.
"This is our every day second baseman," said Levine. "Someone we had every expectation was going to take a meaningful step forward in his career and be a big part of our 2014 campaign.
"You have to turn to your scouts and player development guys when these things happen and rely on the depth you've created."