DENVER — The Texas Rangers are concerned enough about Evan Carter's lower back pain that he will see a back specialist before returning to the starting lineup when the club returns to Texas on Monday. .
Carter, 21, suffered a stress fracture in his lower back in 2021, his first full season in professional baseball. In the end, he was limited to just 32 games and did not play after mid-June. Carter said his past experience on the issue has made him more cautious. He tried to play through a sore back in 2021, but it only ended up making his pain worse.
“I never want to be in that situation again,” Carter said Sunday. “I know what it felt like before, but I haven't felt anything like that in the last few years. Now I've missed a few games and it was all in my head. I think I should realize that and make it worse. I think I'm just being too cautious.”
Carter said Monday that he first felt uncomfortable during his pinch-hitter at-bat in Oakland. He played two more full games, but felt further discomfort and informed manager Bruce Bochy of the situation ahead of Saturday's game. He was subsequently removed from the starting lineup, and the Rangers made plans to have him see a specialist.
Carter likely won't start anyway, as the Rangers will face left-hander Ty Black on Sunday. The outfield grass was slick even on a cool, rainy Colorado morning, not ideal conditions for someone with back pain.
Carter had two hits, one walk, and five strikeouts in 15 at-bats this week.
The Rangers were scheduled to start Robbie Grossman against Brach on Sunday.
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