The Texas Rangers are receiving some much-needed good news as catcher Kyle Higashioka is set to begin his rehab assignment with the Triple-A Round Rock Express. This marks the first step in his return after a lengthy absence due to a mild left intercostal strain, an injury he sustained during a series against the Oakland Athletics.
Higashioka, who was placed on the 10-day injured list, has been sorely missed behind the plate. His absence has left a gap in the Rangers’ lineup and defensive setup, and his return is expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s overall performance. As a key offseason signing, Higashioka was the Rangers’ starting catcher on Opening Day and was expected to be a steady presence for the pitching staff and the lineup.
So far this season, the 34-year-old has posted a solid .254 batting average, one home run, and eight RBIs in 17 games. Despite the small sample size, Higashioka’s performance had been on par with what the Rangers had hoped for when they signed him to a two-year, $13 million deal. He also adds five doubles and three runs scored to his line.
Higashioka will begin his rehab assignment in El Paso with the Round Rock Express, where the team will face the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate. The hope is that he can quickly regain form and rejoin the Rangers in the near future, bolstering their lineup and defense.
The Rangers, currently 18-21 and sitting in fourth place in the competitive AL West, are in dire need of reinforcements. With a crowded division and a tight playoff race ahead, getting a healthy Higashioka back behind the plate could help stabilize the team’s performance and elevate them toward contention.
Higashioka’s return also comes at a time when other key players, like Marcus Semien and Adolis García, have been struggling at the plate, combining for just seven home runs and 34 RBIs through 39 games. In contrast, rookie Wyatt Langford has been a standout, providing some much-needed spark with a .269 average and .823 OPS.
As the Rangers look to rebound and make a run at the postseason, Higashioka’s return is seen as a crucial step in regaining their momentum. With his leadership behind the plate and his steady bat, the Rangers are hopeful that this marks the start of a strong second half of the season.
