SURPRISE, Ariz. — Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis García was ruled out of Tuesday’s spring training matchup against the Athletics due to concerns over his left oblique. García, who had previously injured this same oblique during the team’s World Series journey two years ago, will be undergoing an MRI to assess the current condition.
García, a player who has twice been named an All-Star, is determined to improve after a lackluster previous season where he recorded a .224 batting average with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs over 154 games. During this year’s spring training, García has managed six hits and drawn two walks in his 21 plate appearances thus far.
The uncertainty surrounding García’s health now raises questions about his readiness for the opening day’s clash on March 27 against the Boston Red Sox. “He’s going to miss a little bit of time. We’re hoping not much,” Texas manager Bruce Bochy explained to reporters.
García isn’t the only Rangers outfielder facing an oblique setback during this spring training. Wyatt Langford sustained a similar injury on February 21. Although Langford is undergoing recovery, Bochy mentioned the possibility of Langford appearing in his first exhibition game later this week.
The 23-year-old Langford, who was picked fourth overall in the 2023 amateur draft, showcased tremendous potential for Texas last season with a .253 average, 16 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases over just 134 games.
Fortunately for the Rangers, they have other outfield options available, including Evan Carter, Leody Taveras, Josh Smith, and Kevin Pillar, to fill in the gaps as they navigate these early-season challenges.
