In a significant and untimely setback, the Texas Rangers have lost one of their most consistent contributors, as outfielder Wyatt Langford was abruptly placed on the injured list Friday with a mild oblique strain — an injury that could not have come at a worse time.
Langford, who had been quietly battling discomfort for the past couple of weeks, was removed from action after missing three of the team’s last six games. His absence creates an undeniable void in the lineup, especially considering he had started 46 of 47 games between April 28 and June 19. With no clear replacement to match his offensive presence and versatility in the outfield, the loss puts the Rangers in a vulnerable position.
The roster move, retroactive to June 25, only adds to the team’s growing list of injury concerns. Langford joins Jake Burger, who was shelved on June 21 with a similar oblique strain, deepening the crisis within a lineup already stretched thin.
“This isn’t ideal,” admitted Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young. “Even though it’s a low-grade strain, we had to make the call given the off-days. But let’s be honest — losing Wyatt, especially now, hits us hard.”
Langford had previously battled oblique issues both in Spring Training and earlier this season from April 9–20. While he insisted this episode feels less severe, the timing couldn’t be worse. With the Rangers struggling to maintain momentum, his sudden departure leaves a gaping hole — one that, at present, no backup is fully equipped to fill.
