Rangers manager Ron Washington said Thursday that Lance Berkman will play first base "very soon." Berkman has experiencing no issues with his calf or knees since making his Cactus League debut a few weeks ago. The veteran slugger is expected to play primarily at DH this season, but Texas can use him at first if he feels up to it. And he's been "chomping at the bit" to get some time on defense, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

Lance Berkman launched a solo homer in Wednesday's win over the Cubs. Berkman's first Cactus League extra-base hit was a big one. The longball came from the right side of the plate against Cubs' southpaw Hisanori Takahashi. Berkman should be a nice fantasy option as the Rangers' DH this year as long as he stays healthy, but obviously that's far from a given.

Lance Berkman (calf) went 1-for-2 with two runs scored in his Cactus League debut Thursday. Berkman had been battling a right calf strain. "I'm about where you'd expect after not having played last year," Berkman said. "I saw the ball well, but the timing obviously is not there yet. Hopefully I'll get into the rhythm of playing and the timing will come." Rangers manager Ron Washington said he'll likely play Berkman every other day for the time being.

Lance Berkman (calf) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut later this week. Berkman had been told that he'll play Wednesday, but he could be delayed a day after Sunday's running session was postponed by cold weather. "This is really not a big deal at all," he said. "For a guy in my position, this is just general soreness you'd like to see abate before playing in a game."

Lance Berkman (calf) was cleared to run the bases Saturday. Berkman is believed to be closer to returning than Adrian Beltre (calf), but the Rangers have no plans to rush him back. The 37-year-old is doubtful to see any action in the early part of spring training and will instead focus on getting ready for Opening Day.

Lance Berkman was diagnosed with a mild right calf strain. Berkman said it's "slightly more than usual soreness," so it sounds like he'll be shut down for a few days until the discomfort dissipates. It's worth noting that the 37-year-old missed a month last season with a left calf strain. This might not be as serious, but it points to the fact that the Rangers made a pretty big gamble by signing him to a one-year, $10 million contract over the winter.

Lance Berkman said his surgically-repaired right knee is at about 80 percent. Berkman had a pair of surgeries on the knee last season and was limited to just 32 games. Even though he's still not up to 100 percent, he has no limitations with his hitting in camp and said he's capable of taking grounders at first base. The Rangers are focused on getting him ready for Opening Day rather than the beginning of the Cactus League schedule, which starts in a week. "If we need to, we can get him at-bats in a minor league game," manager Ron Washington said.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said Thursday that he plans to bat Lance Berkman third during the upcoming season. It's not surprising, as Berkman would slide into the spot vacated by Josh Hamilton, following Elvis Andrus and preceding Adrian Beltre. Obviously, that's not a bad spot to be in. "Big Puma" is likely in line for a bounce-back season if he can manage to stay healthy.

Rangers signed 1B/DH Lance Berkman to a one-year, $11 million contract. The deal also includes an option for 2014 that will vest if he reaches 550 plate appearances, which doesn't seem likely to happen given the condition of his knees. Berkman will serve as the Rangers' regular DH and is likely to produce as long as he stays on the field, but that's hardly a given. He was limited to just 32 games this past season due to injury.

According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Lance Berkman will need to get 525-550 at-bats in order for his vesting option for 2014 to kick in. Given the veteran slugger's recent health issues, that's going to be a tough target to meet. Berkman is going to serve as the Rangers' designated hitter in 2013 but will still need regular days off to rest his legs.