It’s hard to have a much better first rehab game than Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter did for Double-A Frisco on Friday night.

Carter played in the first game of his rehab assignment for the RoughRiders, who took on the Amarillo Sod Poodles on the road.

In the very first at-bat of the game, Carter laced a solo home run out to right field to give the RoughRiders a 1-0 lead. In the second inning, Carter came up again and worked a five-pitch walk.

Later in the third, Carter shot a single into right field to give himself his second hit of the game in what would be his final at-bat. He would play a few more innings in the field, but in the sixth, he was replaced by Dylan Dreiling.

Overall, Carter finished going 2-for-2 with two hits, a home run, an RBI, and a walk in three plate appearances.

Back on June 12, Carter suffered a right oblique strain while making a diving catch at Fenway Park.

On Thursday afternoon, Carter took live batting practice against Chris Martin at Globe Life Field despite the team being on the road.

In the midst of Carter’s injury, the Rangers have been playing Wyatt Langford in center field, where he has put on a strong showing.

However, the Rangers no doubt would prefer not to have to run Langford out in center field every day, given the wear and tear the position can cause.

Additionally, Carter’s glove in center field this season has been among the best in all of baseball.

Despite hitting just .176 on the season, Carter is the kind of bat that could come in and give the Rangers' lineup more depth just as it starts to get healthy.

Texas got star shortstop Corey Seager back on Thursday, and upon Carter’s return, could have their full complement of hitters available.

A fully healthy lineup could also be coming at the right time. Texas has won its last two games and are looking to go on a hot streak to catapult itself to some breathing room above .500.

Entering play on Saturday, the Rangers are 40-42 on the season. Despite the losing record, Texas sits just 1.5 games back of first place in the American League West and are tied for the AL’s final Wild Card spot as one of six teams within two games of postseason position.

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