SEATTLE – The Rangers officially have a flu epidemic on their hands. So far, it's been contained to the infielders.

A day after Ian Kinsler was scratched and then re-inserted into the starting lineup because of flu-like symptoms, shortstop Michael Young and third baseman Hank Blalock needed IV fluids to remain in Tuesday's starting lineup.

"You've just got to deal with it," said Kinsler, who said he was completely over the fever that ran as high as 103 on Monday. "It's not the best way to start the season, but we'll battle through it."

The Rangers, however, were taking no chances. The club handed out five-day supplies of the flu preventative Tamiflu to everybody on the team. As of gametime Tuesday, Young and Blalock were the only players exhibiting symptoms.

When both players reported to the stadium feverish and dehydrated, the Rangers sent them to the Mariners team doctor, who administered two bags of IV fluids to each of them. They joined the club a few minutes before it was to take the field for stretching, but manager Ron Washington told Young and Blalock to remain in the clubhouse through batting practice.

Fukumori unphased: Reliever Kazuo Fukumori said his rough major league debut had nothing to do with the cold weather or the prospect of facing fellow Japanese stars Kenji Johjima and Ichiro Suzuki.

In allowing three runs in one-third of an inning Monday, Fukumori walked Johjima, then fell behind Ichiro. He threw one of his two wild pitches during Ichiro's at-bat, then walked him intentionally.

"I wasn't nervous," Fukumori said. "The results were bad. I wanted to make a good first impression. It's bad because it's the start of the season, but it's a long season. I hope to do better next time."

Fukumori met briefly with catcher Gerald Laird to discuss how Laird sets up on pitches. Fukumori asked Laird to move more to the middle of the plate. Laird had been setting up on the outside corner against right-handed hitters. Both of Fukumori's wild pitches, which came on two-seam fastballs, darted hard toward the outside part of the plate.

Briefly: Washington said designated hitter Milton Bradley, who underwent knee surgery in September, was running on his own when he was thrown out trying to steal second in Monday's game. Washington said he would not deter Bradley from running. "I'm not going to take his aggressiveness away from him," Washington said. "I just told him to make sure he's smart about it."

Beginning with the Rangers' home opener Tuesday, all concession grill stands will serve Nolan Ryan's hamburger patties as well as sausage on a stick. Ryan's signature beef tenderloin and prime rib will be featured inside the Diamond Club.