Rivera May Find Work in Texas

Ruben Rivera is getting another chance, this time with the Texas Rangers.

Ranger General Manager John Hart said Sunday the team will evaluate Rivera for 10 days before determining whether to offer the troubled outfielder a minor league contract.

Rivera, 28, was released by the New York Yankees on March 11 after stealing a bat and glove from teammate Derek Jeter’s locker and selling the items to a memorabilia dealer. Rivera was in Texas’ minor league camp Sunday.

The Cleveland Indians last week decided against pursuing a deal with Rivera, after he met with their team psychologist.

Also, Ranger Manager Jerry Narron finally made it official. Rookie third baseman Hank Blalock has won the starting job.

“He’ll be on the field April 1,” Narron said. “I believe Hank came in here from the first day and believed that he was going to be the opening day third baseman.”

Blalock, who has never played above the double-A level, unseated incumbent starter Mike Lamb.

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The Kansas City Royals assigned right-hander Bryan Rekar and left-hander Brian DeHart to triple-A Omaha.

Outfielder Chuck Knoblauch returned to camp after being gone a week because of the death of his father.