OAKLAND -- Kyle Blanks proved he was ready to return to action, and the Rangers activated him from the disabled list before Thursday's series finale with the Athletics.
Rangers manager Jeff Banister penciled him in the starting lineup as the first baseman and batting cleanup behind Prince Fielder. Reliever Spencer Patton was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to make room for Blanks.
Blanks, who underwent a pilonidal cyst procedure in his lower back, began working out with the team in Kansas City on Sunday and continued his efforts in Oakland.
"We just wanted to make sure he was ready and capable of playing first base," Banister said.