Rangers extend safety netting over dugouts at stadium

ARLINGTON, Texas - The Texas Rangers have installed additional protective netting that spans the length of the dugouts on each side of their home ballpark.

Rangers officials said Thursday that the new netting is about 6 feet high above the dugouts. That extends the nets from the end of the current home plate screen to over both dugouts, about 68 feet on both sides.

Rob Matwick, the team's executive vice president of business operations, says the Rangers already were in compliance with Major League Baseball safety recommendations issued in December. He said the team was reviewing and considering additional options to provide protection for fans sitting behind the dugouts at Globe Life Park even before those recommendations.

AL West champion Texas plays its season opener April 4 at home against Seattle.