The Texas Rangers will once again be without outfielder Evan Carter after placing him on the 10-day Injured List because of a right oblique strain. In a corresponding move, the club selected infielder/outfielder Cody Freeman from Triple-A Round Rock to fill Carter's spot on the active roster.

Carter exited Friday's game against the Boston Red Sox after experiencing discomfort, and the Rangers later determined that the issue was significant enough to require a trip to the injured list.

While the organization has not provided a timetable for his return, oblique injuries can often sideline players for several weeks depending on the severity of the strain.

The latest injury adds to what has been a difficult stretch for Carter since his arrival in the major leagues. Widely viewed as one of baseball's premier prospects before his debut, Carter has struggled to stay healthy over the last three seasons.

Since reaching the majors late in 2023, the 23-year-old has dealt with multiple physical setbacks that have interrupted his development and limited his availability. Despite entering the 2026 campaign in relatively good health and appearing in 66 of Texas' first 69 games, Carter now finds himself back on the shelf.

His injury history includes previous issues involving his back, wrist and quadriceps, making durability an ongoing concern for both the player and the organization.

Carter's absence comes during a season in which he has struggled to find consistency at the plate. Through 229 plate appearances, he is batting .176 with six home runs and 10 stolen bases while serving primarily as the Rangers' center fielder.

While some indicators suggest poor luck has played a role in his offensive production, the overall results have not matched the expectations that followed his impressive arrival in the majors.

Carter burst onto the scene in 2023, producing standout numbers during the regular season before playing a key role in Texas' postseason run to a World Series title. That performance fueled optimism that he could become a cornerstone player for the franchise.

With Carter unavailable, Michael Helman is expected to receive an opportunity in center field. The Rangers also have flexibility elsewhere on the roster, as both Wyatt Langford and Brandon Nimmo have experience playing the position.

For now, Texas will look for internal solutions while hoping Carter's latest injury proves to be a short-term setback rather than another lengthy interruption in a career that has already seen more than its share of challenges.

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