As the Texas Rangers prepare to open an important four-game home series against the Houston Astros on Memorial Day, the club is also dealing with several key injury situations that could impact its performance during the upcoming homestand. After a disappointing road trip in which Texas went just 3-6 against teams with losing records, the Rangers are hoping to regain momentum while monitoring the health of some of their most important players.
The timing is crucial for Texas, especially with the American League West race beginning to tighten. The Astros recently gained ground after sweeping the Chicago Cubs, while the Rangers now sit 2.5 games behind the division-leading Athletics. Houston, despite still being below .500, trails the Athletics by only 4.5 games, making this upcoming series even more significant for both rivals.
As the Rangers return to Arlington, three injury updates have become major storylines surrounding the team.
Wyatt Langford Moving Closer to Return
One encouraging update for Texas involves rookie outfielder Wyatt Langford, who appears to be progressing well in his recovery from a right forearm strain. According to reports, Langford participated in increased baseball activities prior to Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, signaling positive movement in his rehab process.
Manager Skip Schumaker revealed that Langford is expected to take part in live batting practice during the homestand. That step is often considered one of the final stages before a player begins a formal rehab assignment, as it allows hitters to face pitching in game-like situations.
Although Schumaker did not provide an exact timetable for Langford’s return to the active roster, the update suggests he may not be far away from rejoining the lineup. The young outfielder has been sidelined since April 22 after suffering the forearm injury. Before going on the injured list, Langford was batting .238 with a .274 on-base percentage and a .363 slugging percentage, along with one home run and four RBI.
Langford previously appeared close to returning earlier this month but experienced a setback during a rehab appearance in Arizona, forcing the Rangers to temporarily shut down his recovery process. Now, however, the organization appears optimistic once again.
Corey Seager Suffers Another Setback
While Langford’s situation is improving, the outlook for shortstop Corey Seager is far less positive. The Rangers received disappointing news after Seager reportedly suffered another setback during a rehab workout at Angel Stadium on Friday.
Seager had been attempting to recover from lower back inflammation, which landed him on the injured list last week. The Rangers initially hoped he could quickly return during the current homestand, but manager Skip Schumaker indicated that timeline is now unlikely.
According to Schumaker, Seager will likely need at least another week before doctors reevaluate his condition. Once that process is complete, the star shortstop would still need to resume baseball activities and likely participate in live batting practice before beginning a rehab assignment.
The injury has added to what has already been a difficult season for Seager offensively. Before landing on the injured list, the left-handed slugger was batting just .179 with a .286 on-base percentage and a .353 slugging percentage. He also recorded seven home runs and 20 RBI.
Josh Jung Avoids Serious Damage
Another concern for Texas involves third baseman Josh Jung, who missed Sunday’s game against the Angels after leaving Saturday’s contest with left shoulder soreness.
Jung injured the shoulder while diving for a ground ball during the third inning. The situation immediately raised concern because it involved the same shoulder that previously required labrum surgery earlier in his career.
Fortunately for the Rangers, initial testing by the team’s medical staff reportedly showed no significant structural damage. Schumaker stated that Jung had been cleared of any major injury, although the third baseman admitted the shoulder remained “pretty sore” on Sunday.
Jung has been one of Texas’ top performers this season and arguably the team’s most consistent offensive player. Through 48 games, he has posted an impressive .302 batting average with a .357 on-base percentage and a .462 slugging percentage, while adding five home runs and 21 RBI.
Without Jung available Sunday, Ezequiel Duran filled in at third base as the Rangers attempted to finish their road trip on a positive note before returning home for a critical divisional showdown with Houston.
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