Cody Freeman: Everything you need to know

Freeman (back) has resumed baseball activities, Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reports. Freeman missed most of spring training due to a stress reaction in his lower back. He could return to competitive baseball in late April or early May.

The Rangers placed Freeman (back) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday. Freeman will get a late start to the season after being diagnosed with a lumbar stress reaction in late February. He will be eligible for activation in early April but could be looking at an extended absence.

Freeman was diagnosed with a lower-back fracture Saturday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports. Freeman will remain sidelined for 4-6 weeks before the Rangers reevaluate him, which will almost certainly cause him to miss the entire Cactus League schedule and could force him to begin the regular season on the injured list. The 25-year-old infielder had been in the running to land a spot on the Rangers' bench, but his injury will open the door for other players like Ezequiel Duran, Sam Haggerty and Justin Foscue to pick up reps during spring training games.