ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers are preparing for significant progress in the injury recoveries of Chris Martin and Evan Carter during their upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both players are scheduled to participate in controlled live practice sessions as the team aims to reintegrate them before their road trip next week.
Progression Plan for Evan Carter’s Return
Evan Carter is expected to take part in live batting practice on Monday ahead of the Rangers’ 7:05 p.m. game at Globe Life Field. Given it is a Monday, Carter will likely face pitches from minor league hurlers affiliated with the Rangers. Carter, sidelined with back spasms since August 2, has impressed the Rangers’ coaching staff with his recovery, prompting manager Bruce Bochy to suggest a potential return “sooner rather than later.”
Although Carter is not eligible to be activated until Tuesday, it seems unlikely he will rejoin the active roster during the Diamondbacks series. Instead, after live batting practice, Carter is anticipated to begin a rehab assignment. This step could take place at either Triple-A Round Rock or Double-A Frisco, both of which are hosting home games this week.
Through 55 games this season, Carter has posted a batting line of .238/.323/.381, contributing four home runs and 21 RBIs, already exceeding his career-high RBI total within more Major League appearances than his 2023 debut season. This marks his second stint on the injured list, following an absence earlier in the year due to a right quad strain.
Chris Martin Advances Toward Game Action
Pitcher Chris Martin threw his second bullpen session within three days on Sunday, bringing him closer to returning to game play. If this progress continues without setbacks, he is scheduled to participate in live batting practice on Tuesday at Globe Life Field.
Martin, 39, has been on the injured list since July 21 with a left calf strain, marking his second IL placement this year after missing time due to right shoulder fatigue from May 20 to June 5. The Rangers have yet to confirm the next step following the live batting practice, but a rehab assignment is expected given Martin has not pitched in nearly three weeks. Additional bullpen sessions or another live batting practice could precede his return to the mound.
Before his injury, Martin had been one of the Rangers’ most dependable relievers. Despite a 1-6 win-loss record, he maintained a strong 2.36 ERA across 39 appearances, recording 12 holds, two saves, 36 strikeouts, and six walks in 34.1 innings. Opposing hitters managed just a .248 average against him, while his WHIP stood at 1.14.
Rangers Focus on Reintegration Ahead of Key Road Trip
The live practice sessions for Chris Martin and Evan Carter come as the Rangers prepare for a seven-game road trip starting Friday, with stops in Toronto and Kansas City. Successfully advancing both players through rehab and controlled game action is crucial for the Rangers to strengthen their roster depth as they contend down the stretch.
Manager Bruce Bochy’s detailed approach to managing their recoveries indicates a cautious but optimistic outlook. Getting Carter and Martin back into rotation will provide important boosts to both the offense and bullpen, potentially impacting the team’s performance during the upcoming road slate and beyond.