Why Rangers' Evan Carter is getting more opportunities against left-handed pitching

TL;DR

Evan Carter of the Texas Rangers is getting more opportunities to play against left-handed pitchers due to Wyatt Langford's injury. Despite struggling against lefties, Carter's defensive skills have earned him a chance to prove himself.

Key points

Evan Carter is getting more opportunities due to Wyatt Langford's injury
Carter has struggled against left-handed pitching in his career
Skip Schumaker values Carter's defensive skills in center field

Mentioned in this story

Skip Schumaker

Texas Rangers

Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter (32) is ready to swing during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Globe Life Field, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Arlington. (Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News) ARLINGTON - What’s that they say - Every obstacle presents an opportunity, or something like that? Well, Wyatt Langford’s obstacle is Evan Carter’s opportunity. While Langford is making progress in his recovery from a strained forearm muscle, the Rangers still aren’t sure if he’ll be able to return on Saturday, the first day he’s eligible, or if it will be later. In the interim, it gives Evan Carter more chances to finally have some success against left-handed pitching and break the narrative that he’s not a viable option against them. But the Rangers don’t have many options to allow them to sit him out. With Langford out, the Rangers have to play Sam Haggerty or Ezequiel Duran in left with the other at second base. It does leave on the bench, but, like Carter, he is a left-handed hitter. And has been so good in center that manager is convinced he can help the team, even if he doesn’t produce offensively. “Definitely at home, just because of the bigger outfield, and he's so good playing center field and I do believe in run prevention just like I believe in run production,” Schumaker said. “He's as good as anybody in center field. So yeah, with Wyatt out, he's going to get a lot more opportunity against lefties.” On Monday, Carter started against New York lefty , the second straight lefty against whom he’s started. If Langford isn’t back by next week, he could get a start against the ' , too. Now the next step: To have a breakthrough against them. Carter was 0 for 15 against lefties to start 2026 and finished the season in an 0 for 16 against lefties last year. He began the day 5 for 75 (.067) against lefties for his career.

Q&A

Why is Evan Carter getting more playing time against left-handed pitchers?

Evan Carter is receiving more playing time against left-handed pitchers because Wyatt Langford is currently injured, limiting the Rangers' options.

What is Evan Carter's batting performance against left-handed pitchers?

Evan Carter has struggled against left-handed pitchers, starting the 2026 season 0 for 15 and having a career batting average of .067 against them.

Who is managing the Texas Rangers and what is his view on Carter's defense?

Skip Schumaker is the manager of the Texas Rangers, and he believes in Carter's defensive abilities, stating he is as good as anyone in center field.

Why Rangers' Evan Carter is getting more opportunities against left-handed pitching

TL;DR

Key points

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