Kinsler, 39, is currently an advisor to the Padres and hasn't appeared in the majors since 2019. Valencia, 36, also made his last big-league appearance back in 2019. They will get a few games to tune-up with Long Island before joining Team Israel as they play a series of exhibition contests in mid-July. The Olympic baseball tournament, which is being held in Japan, is set to begin on July 28.

Kinsler confirmed the report in a video announcement from Team Israel. This is all assuming the Olympics take place as scheduled this summer. There's already plenty of conversation about a postponement due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Israel is slated to be one of six teams in the Olympic tournament, whenever it does take place. Kinsler turns 38 in June and announced his retirement from MLB this past December after spending the 2019 season with the Padres.

The 37-year-old hangs up his cleats after spending 14 seasons in the majors, appearing for the Rangers, Tigers, Angels, Red Sox and Padres. He'll finish his career with 257 homers, eighth among players whose primary position was second base, and Kinsler winds up agonizingly close to the 2,000 hit milestone with 1,999 hits and a .269/.337/.440 slash line. He won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2018, adding that accomplishment to his four All-Star appearances and two Gold Gloves. The Padres have Jurickson Profar lined up to take over at second base.

Kinsler last appeared in a game Monday and hasn't made a start since July 19 following the promotion of Luis Urias. The veteran infielder woke up with pain in his neck Wednesday and it's unclear how long he's expected to be sidelined. Greg Garcia and the newly promoted Ty France figure to split time at second base with Fernando Tatis (back) also on the shelf, forcing Urias to slide over to shortstop from the keystone.