7 days agoTexas Rangers outfielders
Evan Carter and
Leody Taveras could start the year in a platoon in center field, according to MLB.com's Kennedi Landry. Neither player has hit lefties well, but Carter has really struggled, hitting .081/.150/.081 with three total hits against lefties in the big leagues since debuting late in the 2023 season. He has five strikeouts in seven at-bats against southpaws in spring training. The 22-year-old just hasn't had much exposure to high-leverage lefties in the big leagues in only 68 regular-season games played. He also played just 45 games in 2024 due to a back injury that the team is still managing. Carter expects to improve against lefties in time, but the Rangers might just continue avoid having him face them. Between recurring back issues and the fact that he won't play regularly, Carter's fantasy upside is limited in 2025.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
1 week agoThe Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant writes that outfielder Evan Grant's stock is trending up of late as it pertains to potentially making the Opening Day roster out of camp. Grant adds that Carter has eased concerns about tentativeness in his swing during minor-league and Cactus League games this spring. While
Leody Taveras may be winning the competition for the center field job, it appears that the 22-year-old should make the Opening Day roster as outfield depth for Texas to begin the year. Carter debuted in the majors late in the 2023 season and looked like a seasoned veteran on the way to helping the Ranger win the World Series that fall. However, the former second-rounder was limited to 45 games in 2024 and eventually needed surgery for a stress reaction in his lower back. He's now merely attempting to bounce back, and because of his struggles against lefties, a best-case scenario (at least early on) is a platoon role for the young outfielder.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
4 weeks agoTexas Rangers outfielder
Evan Carter (illness) is back in the starting nine on Saturday afternoon. Carter was unable to play on Friday due to an illness. However, seeing him return to the lineup quickly suggests his absence on Friday was precautionary. Carter flashed high upside as a rookie during the 2023 campaign, posting a .309/.413/.645 slash line with five home runs and three stolen bases. During their World Series run, Carter held a .300/.417/.500 line. However, Carter was limited to just 45 games last season and was eventually shut down due to a back injury. During his limited playing time, he was ineffective as he posted a mere .188 AVG. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during camp as he should return to an everyday role in the Texas starting nine to begin the 2025 campaign.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Texas Rangers
4 weeks agoTexas Rangers outfielder
Evan Carter (illness) has been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Friday's contest against the Chicago Cubs. Rangers' manager Bruce Bochy said Carter is dealing with an illness, but he expects him to be back in the lineup on Saturday.
Kevin Pillar will take over his spot in center field and bat eighth during Friday's game. Carter is looking to bounce back this season after a rough 2024 campaign. The potential is there, so we'll see if Carter can capitalize on the opportunity this time around.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Shawn McFarland
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