SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus was scratched from Thursday's Cactus League game against the Cleveland Indians due to muscle soreness in his left arm caused by a new tattoo.
Andrus was given an off day Wednesday after playing consecutive games earlier in the week, and he apparently used some of the downtime to add new ink. Andrus originally was slated to bat third in Thursday's lineup but will be replaced by rookie Jurickson Profar.
"Elvis has been working hard, and having another off day isn't going to hurt him," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He'll be ready tomorrow."
The tattoo filled most of Andrus' left arm from shoulder to elbow, so it isn't surprising he is experiencing soreness. The image features a large face as a tribute to his late father, with crossed baseball bats underneath the face.
Andrus was a key contributor for the Rangers last year, and is expected to play an even greater role in his fifth season with the team, following the departure of a number of key players, including Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli.
"He's becoming a man and a mainstay and is acting like it," Washington said. "He is getting better in all phases of his game."
Andrus is one of seven Rangers players currently scheduled to play in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he will represent his native Venezuela.