The injury-plagued Texas Rangers suffered another blow Saturday as designated hitter Joc Pederson broke his right hand after being hit by a pitch during a game against the Chicago White Sox.
Leading off the fourth inning, Pederson was struck by an 87.5 mph cutter from White Sox right-hander Bryse Wilson. Though clearly in pain, Pederson stayed in the game long enough to score on a Marcus Semien sacrifice fly before being replaced by a pinch hitter in the fifth. After the game, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy confirmed the injury: “Bad break there. We’re having tough luck keeping guys on the field. So he’s going to be out for a while.”
Pederson, 33, joined the Rangers on a two-year, \$37 million deal in December and now faces an extended absence.
His injury came on the same day that star shortstop Corey Seager took live batting practice as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain. Bochy was optimistic about Seager’s progress, saying, “I could see him playing next weekend at home… that’s how good he looks.” Seager, 31, was originally activated from the injured list on May 3 but re-aggravated the injury and returned to the IL on May 13. In 26 games this season, he’s batting .300 with six home runs and 12 RBIs.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74100382/usa_today_26211898.0.jpg)
Meanwhile, outfielder Evan Carter — also on the IL with a right quadriceps strain — worked out prior to the Rangers’ 10-5 loss, their sixth consecutive defeat, further highlighting the team’s struggles to stay healthy.
Outfielder Evan Carter appears to be on a similar recovery timeline as Corey Seager, but unlike Seager, Carter will need a rehab assignment in the minors before rejoining the Texas Rangers, according to manager Bruce Bochy.
“He’s running well. He’s taking swings. He’s doing everything now,” Bochy said. “So he’ll continue to do this and we’ll get his rehab going here real soon, within a week.”
The 22-year-old Carter has been sidelined with a right quadriceps strain. In limited action this season, he’s hitting just .182 with one home run and three RBIs over 11 games.
