Despite having some early offensive success on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals, there is now some concern in the Texas Rangers dugout. Rookie outfielder Wyatt Langford has left the game with what the team is describing as right hamstring tightness. Langford has been replaced in left field by Travis Jankowski.
Langford hurt himself in the fifth inning, attempting to leg out an infield single. His normal speed usually would have been good enough to see the former Florida product safe on first base. But after a few steps, he instantly pulled up and jogged the rest of the way.
After reaching the dugout, Langford was pulled out of the game. He did not play on Friday night either but not due to an injury. Manager Bruce Bochy was looking to get him some rest after consistently being in the lineup to begin the season.
Outside of the injury, there was not much success for Langford. He had grounded out twice to second base and after Perez threw him out in the fifth inning, was 0-3.
Even with the struggles, everybody inside the Rangers organization will be hoping Langford is okay. The ball club already has plenty of injuries to deal with, with multiple starting pitchers and starting-caliber fielders already on the IL. Langford would just add to a lengthy list if he has to sit for a couple of weeks.
Wyatt Langford going through rookie season with Texas Rangers
Langford is in the midst of his rookie season after being selected No. 4 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. His quick rise to the Majors is not common in baseball, only playing in 44 Minor League games.
Heading into Saturday night, Langford was hitting .230 with one home run, 11 RBIs, and an OPS of .602. Many considered him the favorite of the AL Rookie of the Year heading into the season but the offensive production has not been as explosive as hoped for through 33 games.
The one home run did not leave the park, either. Langford hit an inside-the-park home run against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday afternoon — being just the third Ranger to have their first home run stay in the park.
Making great contact with a ball and seeing it go over the fence will be a great feeling for Langford when it occurs. A huge part of Langford’s ability is the power he possesses and while it’s not been too present early in his MLB career, his time in college and the Minors make you believe it will show up eventually.
