Kiner-Falefa is lined up to remain at third base for longer than expected after Josh Jung was diagnosed with a left labral strain Friday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kiner-Falefa had been viewed as mainly a placeholder until Jung was ready to push for his major-league debut, something which could in theory have happened as early as Opening Day. While Jung's exact return timeline isn't clear, it now looks as though Kiner-Falefa should be safe in the job for at least the early part of the season before likely transitioning into a utility infielder role. He shouldn't be expected to hit for much power at all, but he did still 20 bases last season, so he'll offer a decent amount of speed for as long as he can hold onto regular playing time.

Kiner-Falefa went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 9-6 loss to Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

Kiner-Falefa's survived some fallow stretches during the season, but the shortstop is finishing strong in a year during which he set a new career high with 669 plate appearances. He's slashed .352/.406/.398 over 22 games since Sept. 5 and should continue on as the team's starting shortstop in 2022.

Kiner-Falefa isn't starting Thursday's game against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Kiner-Falefa hit .321 with two runs, two RBI and a stolen base across the last seven games, but he'll get a rare day off in Thursday's series finale. Yonny Hernandez will shift to shortstop while Brock Holt starts at third base.

Kiner-Falefa went 3-for-5 with a run scored in Friday's 8-5 win over Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

All three of the infielder's hits were singles. Kiner-Falefa has recorded multiple hits in six of his last eight games, giving him a hearty .354 batting average in September. That's boosted his season slash line to .274/.314/.360 with seven home runs, 51 RBI, 72 runs scored and 20 stolen bases in 648 plate appearances. While there's little in the way of power in his bat, his speed and contact skills are marks in his favor.

Kiner-Falefa went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's loss to the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

The shortstop singled in Yonny Hernandez in the fifth inning before swiping second base. The steal was his 20th of the season. Kiner-Falefa has had a career year, setting new highs in many areas including stolen bases and home runs.

Kiner-Falefa went 2-for-3 with an RBI a run scored and a walk in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Kiner-Falefa drove in DJ Peters on a fifth-inning single to get the Rangers on the board. In addition, he walked and scored in the eighth frame. He has multiple hits in four of his last seven games. On the season, the 26-year-old is slashing .270/.310/.357 with seven long balls, 49 RBI, 69 runs scored and 19 steals in 627 plate appearances.

Kiner-Falefa isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Kiner-Falefa will head to the bench after he hit .346 with four runs, four RBI, a stolen base and two walks while starting each of the last six games. Yonny Hernandez will shift to shortstop while Brock Holt starts at third base.

Kiner-Falefa went 3-for-5 with two RBI, a run scored and a stolen base in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Kiner-Falefa totaled three singles in the game and drove in a pair of runs in the third inning. In addition, he stole his 17th base in the ninth inning. It was his first steal in 35 games since Aug. 2. The 26-year-old is slashing .263/.303/.353 with seven home runs, 48 RBI, 65 runs and 17 steals in 602 plate appearances.

Kiner-Falefa isn't starting Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Kiner-Falefa will get a rare day off after he hit .160 with three RBI, two runs and three walks across the last seven games. Yonny Hernandez will shift to shortstop while Charlie Culberson starts at third base.

Kiner-Falefa went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Kiner-Falefa hit three singles Sunday, scoring in the third and fifth innings. In addition, he drove in Yonny Hernandez in the sixth frame. Even after his three-hit game, he is batting just .200 in his past eight games. The 26-year-old is slashing .263/.302/.357 with seven long balls, 44 RBI, 63 runs and 16 steals in 578 plate appearances.