On Saturday, Travis Jankowski will take on the role of left fielder against the Rockies, a position typically filled by Carter when facing right-handed pitchers.

The saga continues.

The newest addition to the list of Texas Rangers players facing health concerns is Evan Carter. The rookie outfielder was removed from the starting lineup for Saturday’s game against Colorado due to tightness in his lower back. These words raise concerns for the Rangers.

At 21 years old, Carter has a track record of back problems. During his first full season as a professional in 2021, he played only 32 games due to a stress fracture.

Manager Bruce Bochy expressed some apprehension, stating, “There is obviously some concern. He’s young. For it to flare up at this point in the season, we want to make sure and take care of him.”

Carter was absent from the starting lineup in Friday’s game against Colorado due to the Rockies’ left-handed starting pitcher, Austin Gombert. However, he did make an appearance as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning, resulting in a strikeout. Over the past week, Carter has only managed two hits, both singles, in 19 at-bats, while striking out eight times.

The Rangers are currently facing a significant injury crisis, with 13 players on the injured list. Among them are rookie outfielder Wyatt Langford, who is sidelined with a strained hamstring, and third baseman Josh Jung, who is recovering from a fractured wrist. With Langford on the IL, the Rangers are left with only four true outfielders, although they have occasionally utilized Ezequiel Duran in left field since Langford’s injury. Travis Jankowski took over left field for Carter in Saturday’s game.

Among the position players on the 40-man roster who are not currently in the majors are outfielder Dustin Harris, who has yet to make his major league debut, infielder Jonathan Ornelas, who was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday, and catcher Sam Huff.