The Texas Rangers may be facing yet another roster setback after outfielder Michael Helman suffered a significant hand injury during Saturday’s game against the Boston Red Sox.
Helman was struck on the hand by a pitch from Red Sox reliever Tyron Guerrero in the eighth inning. Although he remained in the game long enough to take his base, the Rangers removed him in the following inning and inserted a defensive replacement. What initially appeared to be a painful hit-by-pitch quickly developed into a more serious concern for Texas.
Following the game, Rangers manager Skip Schumaker provided an update that suggested Helman’s injury could keep him sidelined for an extended period. According to Schumaker, early examinations revealed multiple fractures in at least one finger, and possibly two. Additional X-rays were scheduled to determine the full extent of the damage, but the initial diagnosis already pointed toward a lengthy absence.
Schumaker told Rangers Sports Network that Helman would likely be out for a while, describing the injury as one that “got him pretty good.” Based on those comments, the Rangers are expected to place the outfielder on the injured list before Sunday’s nationally televised matchup against Boston.
The injury comes at a difficult time for Texas, which is already dealing with several key health concerns. Helman was filling in for center fielder Evan Carter, who landed on the 10-day injured list Saturday after experiencing oblique tightness following a diving catch the previous night. The Rangers were also without star shortstop Corey Seager, who continues recovering from the effects of a collision at home plate during a recent series in Kansas City.
Helman’s path to the major league roster this season has not been straightforward. He was left off the Opening Day roster after spring training and remained in Triple-A until an injury created an opportunity for his return on May 18. Since rejoining the Rangers, he has appeared in 15 games and posted a .167 batting average along with a .235 on-base percentage and .300 slugging percentage. He has contributed one home run and two RBIs during that stretch.
Despite his offensive struggles, Helman remained on the roster when Seager and outfielder Wyatt Langford returned from injuries last week. His defensive flexibility played a major role in that decision, as he is capable of handling multiple positions, including all three outfield spots and second base.
Helman also made an impact for Texas during the 2025 season after being claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 38 games, he batted .232 with a .290 on-base percentage and a .455 slugging percentage while adding five home runs and 20 RBIs. Among those highlights was a grand slam that stood as the Rangers’ only grand slam of the season.
If Helman is officially placed on the injured list, the most likely replacement appears to be Alejandro Osuna. The young outfielder was recently optioned to Triple-A Round Rock when Seager and Langford returned. Notably, Osuna was absent from Round Rock’s lineup on Saturday, fueling speculation that he could soon be heading back to the major leagues to help fill Texas’ growing list of roster vacancies.
Leave a Reply