Rangers SS Andrus only 23 but experienced

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Elvis Andrus is going into his fourth season as starting shortstop of the Texas Rangers. He’s already been an All-Star and played in two World Series.

But Andrus is also still prone to youthful mistakes. Then again, he’s only 23 years old.

Rangers manager Ron Washington has provoked, pushed and pestered Andrus in past springs trying to get the best out of him.

This time, Washington is taking a different approach. He’s treating Andrus more like one of the veterans.

Washington says he’s not going to constantly ride Andrus, and let the shortstop have a little more leeway.

The Rangers avoided salary arbitration with Andrus by signing him to a $14.4 million, three-year contract last month. That deal takes him through the rest of his arbitration-eligible seasons.