The Texas Rangers just can’t seem to catch a break offensively, and young outfielder Evan Carter continues to battle a tough string of injury luck. Just before Sunday’s series finale against the Houston Astros, the team placed Carter on the injured list again — and the outlook isn’t promising.
Carter had been sidelined for several games due to a quad strain, with hopes that rest would be enough. However, manager Bruce Bochy confirmed it’s a Grade 2 strain — worse than initially thought — and that Carter is expected to be out for “multiple weeks.”
It’s a tough blow for the promising outfielder, who’s endured his share of setbacks. Around this time last year, Carter landed on the 10-day IL with a back issue that eventually required a move to the 60-day IL, sidelining him for the rest of the season.
He began 2025 with the major league club but struggled, prompting a stint in Triple-A to reset. After a hot stretch in Round Rock, he was recalled to help reignite Texas’ sluggish offense — but his struggles continued before the quad injury surfaced. His current slash line of .182/.270/.273 represents career lows across the board.
In response, the Rangers activated veteran Kevin Pillar, though his own numbers — including a .237/.237/.289 line and a quiet rehab stint — don’t inspire much confidence either. Alongside Carter’s IL move and Pillar’s return, Texas also optioned reliever Cole Winn to Triple-A and brought up Caleb Boushley from Round Rock.
