The Texas Rangers were dealt another injury concern on Tuesday as outfielder Wyatt Langford exited their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to right forearm tightness. The setback continues a frustrating trend for Langford, who has struggled to stay fully healthy in recent weeks.
Langford was pulled from the contest at the conclusion of the fourth inning after taking just two plate appearances. In his first trip to the plate, he drew a walk, but he later struck out swinging in the third inning. At the time of his exit, he held a .238 batting average on the season, a number that reflects a gradual recovery from a slow start earlier in the year. Following his departure, Ezequiel Duran stepped in to take over in left field and quickly made an impact, delivering an RBI double in the fifth inning to help Texas on the scoreboard.
This latest issue adds to a growing list of physical setbacks for Langford. Earlier this month, on April 10, he left a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after straining his left quadriceps. The injury occurred during an awkward moment when he bent down after hitting a home run off Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow. That incident forced him to miss the final two games of the Dodgers series, as well as the opening matchup of a four-game set against the Oakland Athletics.
Despite that absence, Langford returned to the lineup and managed to play through the remainder of the Rangers’ road trip without missing additional time. His performance at the plate also improved significantly as the month progressed. After entering April with a disappointing .143 batting average, he found his rhythm and raised his numbers. Including Tuesday’s appearance, he has posted a .273 batting average, along with a .310 on-base percentage and a .418 slugging percentage for the month, adding one home run and three RBIs in that span.
Lineup adjustments have also played a role in his recent usage. Langford returned to the No. 2 spot in the batting order on Tuesday after briefly hitting third during the road trip. That shift was made to accommodate Corey Seager, who typically occupies the third spot in the lineup.
Injuries have been a recurring challenge throughout Langford’s career. Last season, he was placed on the injured list three separate times due to oblique issues, highlighting ongoing concerns with soft tissue durability. During his rookie campaign, he also dealt with a hamstring injury that sidelined him for 10 days. Aware of these recurring problems, Langford adjusted his offseason and spring training workout routines in an effort to reduce the likelihood of similar injuries.
If Langford is forced to miss additional time, the Rangers have several options to fill the gap. Duran has already shown he can handle both infield and outfield duties and previously started in left field during Langford’s earlier absence. Veteran Andrew McCutchen could also see increased usage, particularly as a right-handed bat against left-handed pitching, even though he has primarily served as a designated hitter. Additionally, Sam Haggerty offers versatility as a switch-hitter capable of covering left field when needed.
For now, the Rangers will await further evaluation on Langford’s condition, hoping this latest issue proves minor and doesn’t lead to another extended absence for one of their key offensive contributors.
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