It's been a tumultuous season for the Texas Rangers, a team that's navigated a rough landscape filled with injuries and ferocious competition. Unfortunately, it appears they will have to continue without one of their key assets, outfielder Evan Carter, for the remainder of the year.
Carter, who has been battling lower back tightness, has been sidelined since May 26. Despite a promising start, he is now expected to sit out for the rest of the season. His absence is a significant blow to the Rangers, who have struggled to maintain momentum in a fiercely contested AL West division.
Prior to his injury, Carter's performances had been nothing short of impressive. Launching his MLB career on September 8, Carter played in 23 regular season games, where he posted a batting average of .306, an on-base percentage of .413, and a slugging percentage of .645. His prowess continued into the postseason, maintaining a batting average of .300, an on-base percentage of .417, and a slugging percentage of .500 over 17 games. Such statistics not only highlight his potential but also underscore the extent of his current absence.
"Carter, who didn't partake in many showcase circuit events as an amateur, was a relative unknown when the Rangers selected him in the second round of the 2020 draft," stated Chris Young. "Initial criticism gave way to fast-and-furious mea culpas once area scouts who saw him that spring started to spread The Word. Carter has since introduced himself to the world on a national stage during the postseason."
The Rangers have had to adapt their lineup in the wake of Carter’s continued absence, finding replacements in Wyatt Langford, Leody Taveras, and Adolis García, who have stepped in from left to right in the outfield. These shifts underscore the Rangers' commitment to maintaining competitive play amid adversity.
Additionally, the roster has seen key players step up. Josh Jung has returned from a broken wrist to hold down the third base, while Josh Smith has transitioned to the designated hitter role. The only position player added to the team at the trade deadline was backup catcher Carson Kelly.
"He's also a speedy runner who can play all three outfield positions. The main question left about his game entails his power potential. Whatever the resolution, he's going to remain an important part of the Rangers lineup for years to come," Young continued, emphasizing Carter’s significance to the franchise moving forward.
This season, the Rangers secured a wild-card berth during the final weekend of the regular season, a testament to their tenacity. They went on to celebrate a historic milestone by winning the first World Series title in franchise history. However, the team's regular-season record of 52-55 places them trailing both the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners by 3 1/2 games in the AL West. They are also six games behind the third wild-card spot, making each game critically important as they aim for a postseason berth.
As they look ahead, the Rangers hope to see Carter return to the lineup. Entering the 2024 season, Carter remains rookie-eligible, and there's significant anticipation surrounding his development and contribution to the team’s future success.
The Texas Rangers selected Carter in the second round of the 2020 draft, and his journey thus far highlights both the unpredictable nature of sports and the potential for unexpected talent to shine on the biggest stages. The Rangers and their fans are undoubtedly eager to see what Carter will bring to the field in the seasons to come.