(September 5, 2008)--Texas Rangers All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler won't try to play again this season.

Kinsler has decided to have season-ending surgery to repair a sports hernia, the team said Friday.

After an MRI on Aug. 18 revealed the problem, Kinsler said he was hopeful of avoiding surgery and possibly playing again this season. But he is still sore and will have surgery next week.

Kinsler, a first-time All-Star this year, will end the season with a .319 average, 41 doubles, 18 home runs, 71 RBIs and 26 stolen bases in 121 games.

Going into Friday's games, Kinsler was fourth in the American League batting race and already has enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title without playing another game.

Boston's Dustin Pedroia leads the AL with a .333 average, followed
by Rangers designated hitter Milton Bradley (.327) and Minnesota's
Joe Mauer (.322).