Texas Rangers are currently battling through a difficult stretch of injuries and illnesses as the club continues a lengthy nine-game road trip. Although the Rangers are facing teams near the bottom of the league standings, the growing list of unavailable players has created major challenges, especially for an offense that has struggled to consistently score runs.
Several players who were expected to be key contributors this season — including stars from the Opening Day lineup — are sidelined with various health concerns. As the team works through these setbacks, fans are closely watching the recovery timelines for important names such as Corey Seager, Wyatt Langford, Josh Smith, and Cody Freeman.
Shortstop Corey Seager has missed the first five games of the current road trip against the Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Angels because of back issues. Initially, the problem was described as back spasms, but the Rangers later placed him on the 10-day injured list with lower back inflammation, retroactive to May 15. Seager also underwent an MRI, though the results reportedly did not provide a clear answer regarding the exact cause of the discomfort.
To fill the roster vacancy, Texas promoted Michael Helman from Triple-A Round Rock. The Rangers are hopeful that some time away from game action will help Seager fully recover and rediscover his form at the plate. Before landing on the injured list, the veteran shortstop was enduring one of the toughest offensive stretches of his career. His batting average had fallen to just .179, while his slugging percentage sat at an unusually low .353. Given Seager’s track record as one of the league’s most productive hitters, the organization hopes the lingering back issue may explain part of his offensive struggles.
Meanwhile, outfielder Wyatt Langford continues to work his way back from a right forearm flexor strain that has kept him out since April 21. Unfortunately for the Rangers, Langford suffered another setback during a rehabilitation assignment when the injury was aggravated. Because of that complication, the team is now taking an especially cautious approach with one of its young cornerstone players.
Current estimates suggest Langford remains at least two weeks away from returning, assuming there are no additional setbacks. The Rangers clearly want to ensure that once the talented outfielder is healthy enough to return, he will be able to stay in the lineup for the remainder of the season without recurring issues.
The second base position has also been heavily impacted by injuries and illness. Josh Smith, who serves as both a second baseman and utility player, is currently recovering from viral meningitis. The illness required hospitalization and is expected to sideline him for at least a week to 10 days while he regains his strength.
Although the illness is not considered life-threatening, it has reportedly taken a significant toll on Smith physically. The timing has been especially unfortunate because he had recently started to show signs of improvement offensively after struggling earlier in the season. Smith had already been dealing with a right glute strain before the meningitis diagnosis further delayed his return. The Rangers remain optimistic he could rejoin the team before the end of May.
Another player working toward a comeback is Cody Freeman. The infielder has missed the entire season while recovering from a lower-back stress fracture. Freeman recently began a rehab assignment with the Rangers’ Arizona Complex League affiliate, and the organization believes he could return sometime in June.
In the meantime, Ezequiel Duran has stepped up effectively at second base with steady offensive production. His recent performances may complicate Freeman’s future role once he is healthy again.
For now, the Rangers are simply hoping to stay competitive until reinforcements arrive and help strengthen the lineup later in the season.
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