Evan Carter, the Rangers' promising young outfielder, is facing another setback as he's placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right oblique strain. This injury marks the fifth time Carter has landed on the IL since his major league debut in September 2023, highlighting a career plagued by frequent injuries. The 23-year-old has only managed to play in 108 out of 324 regular-season games from 2024-2025, a stark contrast to his impressive performance in the postseason.
Carter's journey to the big leagues was nothing short of remarkable. After a stellar performance in the regular season, slashing .306/.413/.645 in 23 games, he became a key player in the Rangers' World Series victory over the Diamondbacks. However, his success was short-lived as lower back troubles in 2024 limited him to just 45 games, and he struggled with a .188 batting average. The following year, 2025, saw some improvement, but Carter's season was cut short due to quadriceps, back, and wrist issues, limiting him to 63 games.
This year, Carter has been the Rangers' primary center fielder, but his performance has taken a turn for the worse. With a .176/.292/.321 line, six home runs, and 10 steals in 229 plate appearances, his xBA, xSLG, and xwOBA all rank in the league's bottom 19th percentile or worse. Lefties have been particularly tough on Carter, who has struggled against them, going 1 for 27 with a single, 11 strikeouts, and three walks.
The Rangers have recalled infielder/outfielder Cody Freeman from Triple-A Round Rock to fill Carter's roster spot. While Carter's future remains uncertain, the team will rely on other players like Michael Helman, Wyatt Langford, and Brandon Nimmo to fill the void in center field. The injury raises questions about Carter's long-term health and his ability to become the consistent, star player the Rangers envisioned when they promoted him to the majors. It's a stark reminder that even the most promising careers can be hindered by persistent health issues.
