Kinsler says comments taken out of context

Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Ian Kinsler was expecting this kind of reaction — even if he didn’t agree with the way his comments were portrayed.

Kinsler, who was traded from Texas to the Detroit Tigers in the offseason, said Tuesday some critical statements attributed to him in an ESPN The Magazine story were taken out of context. Kinsler was quoted as calling Rangers general manager Jon Daniels a “sleazeball.”

“I’m not happy about it. I think that the story was written for drama, and taken a little out of context,” the Tigers’ new second baseman said.

In the ESPN story, Kinsler blamed Daniels for the departure of Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan, who left the organization in October.

“Daniels is a sleazeball,” Kinsler was quoted as saying. “He got in good with the owners and straight pushed Ryan out.”

Kinsler was also quoted as saying he hopes the Rangers lose every game this season. He seemed surprised that comment in particular had gotten so much attention.

“That’s a matter of telling a joke,” he said.

The Rangers seemed to take Kinsler’s comments in stride.

Chad Millman, ESPN The Magazine’s Editor in Chief, said the magazine stands by the context in which Kinsler’s statements were presented.

Tigers fall to Pirates

LAKELAND, Fla. — Charlie Morton allowed one hit in three scoreless innings, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 5-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

Don Kelly had two hits for the Tigers, and Austin Jackson hit a two-run homer in the fourth for Detroit's runs.

Dirks out 3 months

Detroit Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks is expected to miss three months because of a back problem that requires surgery.

General manager Dave Dombrowski says the 28-year-old Dirks will have surgery Monday.

Dombrowski says Dirks has dealt with back issues since high school, but the problem was bothering him more in recent days.

Indians top White Sox

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Zach McAllister pitched two shutout innings and the Cleveland Indians beat the Chicago White Sox 5-4.

McAllister gave up one hit and one walk. He has yet to allowed a run in four innings of Cactus League work.