The Texas Rangers are set to begin an important three-game series against the Detroit Tigers in their first matchup following the All-Star break, with a key opportunity to climb back to a .500 record and stay competitive in the AL West race.
However, the team will be without one of its dependable depth pieces, as outfielder Sam Haggerty has officially been placed on the injured list due to an ankle injury that is expected to sideline him for more than the minimum 10 days.
Haggerty, 31, has served as a reliable utility player throughout the season, contributing both offensively and defensively when called upon. In 128 at-bats this year, he’s posted a .250 batting average and a .329 on-base percentage, along with 32 hits, two home runs, and 11 RBIs.
His absence will be felt across the roster, particularly given his versatility and consistency in spot starts.
To fill the void, the Rangers have called up 24-year-old Cody Freeman, a right-handed-hitting infielder/outfielder who is finally getting his shot at the majors after spending six and a half seasons in the team’s minor league system since being drafted in 2019.
Though Freeman won’t be in the starting lineup for Friday’s game, he is expected to assume a similar role to Haggerty’s, providing depth off the bench and in utility spots around the field.
Sam Haggerty
Manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that the ankle injury would likely require more than the standard 10-day IL stint, emphasizing the need to be cautious with Haggerty’s recovery.
Sam Haggerty
For Freeman, this call-up represents a long-awaited dream finally realized, and the Rangers will look to him to step in and contribute as the team fights to gain momentum in the second half of the season.
First pitch against the Tigers is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EST, marking the start of a crucial series for the Rangers, where a strong showing could help reset their trajectory for a playoff push, while a rough outcome might set a difficult tone coming out of the break.
