DENVER — There's no end in sight.
Texas Rangers player Evan Carter has recently encountered health issues. The rookie outfielder was left out of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Colorado due to lower back tightness. Those are worrying words for the Rangers.
Carter, 21, has a history of back issues. In 2021, his first full season as a pro, he played in just 32 games due to a stress fracture.
“Obviously there are concerns,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “He's young. For that to flare up at this point in the season, we want to make sure we take care of him.”
Carter did not start Friday's game against Colorado, as left-hander Austin Gombert started for the Rockies, but he came on as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning. He struck out. Carter had two hits (both singles) in 19 at-bats last week. He struck out eight innings.
The Rangers currently have 13 players on injured reserve. That includes fellow rookies outfielder Wyatt Langford (hamstring strain) and third baseman Josh Jung (broken wrist). With Langford on the IL, the Rangers only have four true outfielders, but they have started Ezequiel Duran in left field three times since Langford was injured. Travis Jankowski started on the left side in place of Carter on Saturday.
The only position players on the 40-man roster not currently in the majors are outfielder Dustin Harris, who has yet to make his major league debut, and infielder Jonathan, who was optioned to Triple-A Round Lock on Wednesday. Ornelas and catcher Sam Huff. .
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