Sam

Haggerty

Haggerty had an RBI single in the second and a two-run double in the fourth before being lifted for a pinch-runner. His chances of claiming a bench spot already improved earlier in the day with the reveal that Cody Freeman would likely open up on the injured list. The switch-hitting utilityman batted .253/.328/.370 in 182 plate appearances for the Rangers last season.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker told reporters Freeman will be shut down for at least the next month before resuming baseball activities. The versatile 25-year-old got into 36 games for Texas as a rookie last year and was in line to open the season in a bench role. His absence makes it much easier for someone like Sam Haggerty or Michael Helman to secure a spot on the club’s season-opening roster.

Haggerty will stick around after being a relatively solid bench option for the Rangers in 2025. The 31-year-old can play the outfield and infield and will likely do the same in 2026.

Haggerty will not return this season with the Rangers officially eliminated from postseason contention. The 31-year-old hit the injured list back in mid-August with left ankle inflammation.

Haggerty has been out of action since the middle of August due to inflammation in his ankle. The 31-year-old could return to the Texas roster at this point next week, and he’d likely see time in the outfielder against left-handed pitching.

Haggerty has put together a nice season as a role player with the Rangers, getting plenty of opportunities to face left-handed pitching. The versatile 31-year-old figures to miss at least a couple weeks as he attempts to put a lingering ankle issue to bed.

Carter takes a seat with southpaw Eric Lauer drawing Saturday’s starting assignment for Toronto. He’ll likely continue riding the bench against left-handers over the final few weeks of the season. The 22-year-old former top prospect has gone 3-for-7 with an RBI in a pair of contests since returning from the injured list earlier this week after missing time with back spasms. It’ll be Wyatt Langford covering center field with Sam Haggerty drawing into the lineup.

The speedy 31-year-old outfielder had been shelved since just before the All-Star break due to inflammation in his left ankle. He’ll jump right back into action on Friday night, serving as the designated hitter and batting leadoff against Joey Wentz and the Braves.

It’s unclear exactly when or how the injury occurred. Rangers’ skipper Bruce Bochy did note though that Haggerty is expected to be shelved for more than the minimum 10 days. Cody Freeman was promoted from Triple-A Round Rock to take his place on the Rangers’ active roster.

Carter will get a break with left-hander Framber Valdez on the mound for Houston. Sam Haggerty will lead off and play left field against Valdez with Wyatt Langford lined up in center and hitting fifth.