Evan Carter's recent injury history has been a major setback for the Texas Rangers. The 23-year-old outfielder, once a promising prospect, has struggled with a myriad of injuries since his MLB debut in 2023. This latest oblique strain is just the latest in a long line of setbacks, and it's raising questions about Carter's long-term viability as a cornerstone of the team.
What makes Carter's situation particularly intriguing is the contrast between his early promise and his recent struggles. In 2023, Carter showed flashes of brilliance, slashing .306/.413/.645 in 23 games. His performance in the playoffs was even more impressive, as he hit .300/.417/.500 in 72 plate appearances, helping the Rangers win the World Series. But since then, injuries have plagued him, limiting his playing time and impacting his performance.
The Rangers' decision to place Carter on the 10-day IL is a stark reminder of the team's reliance on a healthy Carter. With a .176/.292/.321 line, six home runs, and 10 steals in 229 plate appearances this year, Carter's offense has taken a step back. His xBA, xSLG, and xwOBA all rank in the league's bottom 19th percentile or worse, indicating that his struggles may not be entirely due to bad luck.
One of the most concerning aspects of Carter's injury history is his inability to stay healthy against left-handed pitchers. He has gone 1 for 27 with a single, 11 strikeouts, and three walks against lefties this year. This is particularly problematic, as lefties have been a significant part of Carter's career struggles. In 2024, he hit just .188/.272/.361 in 162 plate appearances, and in 2025, he batted .247/.336/.392 with 14 stolen bases, but his performance against lefties remained poor.
The Rangers have a few options to fill Carter's void in center field. Michael Helman, the team's second option in center this year, will start there on Saturday against the Red Sox. He could get most of the work at the position while Carter is out. Corner outfielders Wyatt Langford and Brandon Nimmo also have experience in center, though Nimmo hasn't seen much action there since 2023.
Carter's injury history has been a major concern for the Rangers, and it's unclear whether he will ever live up to his early promise. The team's reliance on a healthy Carter is a testament to the challenges of managing a young, talented player with a history of injuries. As the Rangers continue to navigate the challenges of keeping their star players healthy, they must also consider the long-term implications of Carter's ongoing struggles.
