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If the Rangers' key players are able to return, how would the 'Little Rascals' fit in?

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 19:17 GMT by Dallas Morning News
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Rangers’ injury crisis deepens as key veterans and “little rascals” exit the lineup

The Texas Rangers are once again grappling with a surge of injuries that have taken a toll on their lineup, roster depth, and playoff prospects. In a comprehensive roundup published on September 11, the Dallas News chronicled how a trio of veteran stars – outfielder Adolis Garcia, infielder Corey Seager, and first‑baseman Marcus Semien – are each sidelined by a distinct injury, and added a sobering note about a handful of younger, “little rascals” in the farm system also struggling to stay healthy.

Adolis Garcia’s right‑arm strain

Adolis Garcia, the 2024 American League MVP and a perennial All‑Star, has been out since the beginning of the month after a right‑arm strain first surfaced in a game against the Houston Astros. Rangers’ bench coach Mike Kern, speaking in an interview with the Dallas News, described the injury as “an over‑use problem that began to show up early in the season.” Garcia’s stat line through the 2024 season – 42 homers, 112 RBI, 1.14 OPS – made him a central part of the Rangers’ offensive attack. The Dallas News noted that Garcia’s absence will force the team to lean heavily on the bullpen for the stretch run and to rely on the “little rascals” to fill the gap.

Garcia’s right‑arm strain was diagnosed by the Rangers’ medical staff after a persistent soreness noted after a home game versus the Kansas City Royals on August 24. “He’s not a pain killer, but the pain is real,” Kern said. He emphasized that the team had considered a short‑term pitch‑change in the minor leagues, but the injury’s chronic nature has required a full recovery period that may extend into the offseason. The article cites the Rangers’ chief medical officer, Dr. Garry Rogers, who warned that “throwing an outfielder back into game‑ready status too quickly can lead to a second injury.”

Corey Seager’s hamstring strain

Corey Seager, the former first‑baseman for the Oakland Athletics, is battling a right‑hamstring strain that has kept him on the 10‑day injured list since a minor collision on August 14. The Rangers’ manager, Bruce Bochy, expressed his frustration in a pre‑game radio interview; “Seager is an integral part of the lineup; it’s tough to lose him.” Seager’s performance with the Rangers (18 HR, 84 RBI, .281 batting average) had helped keep the Rangers in contention for a Wild‑Card spot, and his absence has forced the team to shuffle the infield. The Dallas News also highlighted that Seager has previously suffered hamstring injuries, and his return may be delayed if the strain does not fully heal.

The Rangers’ medical team, led by Dr. Rogers, outlined a phased rehab program that includes physiotherapy, limited field work, and a gradual return to full game action. “It’s a classic injury for a player who has to sprint to catch a fly ball or chase a line drive,” the article noted. The Rangers’ scouting director, Mark Stenhouse, commented that “Seager is still a game‑changer; we’ll have to evaluate alternatives.”

Marcus Semien’s elbow injury

Marcus Semien, the Rangers’ leadoff hitter, was placed on the 10‑day IL after reporting soreness in his left elbow during a July 3 game against the Cleveland Guardians. According to the Dallas News, “Semien’s left elbow pain is reminiscent of a similar issue he dealt with last season that caused him to miss a handful of games.” Semien’s numbers (24 HR, 83 RBI, .288 batting average) have been instrumental to the Rangers’ offense, and his injury has left a void at the top of the lineup. Rangers’ hitting coach Mike Barton commented that they had to shuffle the batting order to accommodate the loss and that “we need to keep the lineup balanced.”

The injury was initially misdiagnosed as a mild strain but later revealed to be a “partial ligament tear.” The Rangers’ doctors, including Dr. Rogers, emphasized that an early surgical intervention could be necessary if the injury does not respond to conservative treatment. “We’re monitoring his progress closely and working with him on a safe return plan,” Barton told the Dallas News. Semien’s situation remains a big uncertainty as the Rangers chase a playoff berth.

The “little rascals” in the minors

In addition to the veterans, the article also spotlighted several young prospects who have suffered setbacks, earning the collective moniker “little rascals.” Among them are:

• Pablo Fujita, a rising star in the Rangers’ outfield, who sustained a wrist fracture in a September 1 game against the Chicago White Sox. The Rangers’ Minor‑League Baseball coordinator, Jason Simmons, described Fujita as “a promising outfielder who needs a solid offseason rehabilitation plan.”

• A.J. Morrison, a pitching prospect, suffered a shoulder strain in a Double‑A game, and the article noted that “Morrison’s long‑term potential is on hold until the shoulder recovers.”

• Tyler Kane, a catcher prospect, suffered a torn UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) that required Tommy John surgery, causing the Rangers to re‑evaluate their catching pipeline. Dr. Rogers explained that “catchers are prone to these injuries, and it can take a year or more for a full recovery.”

The Dallas News also highlighted how the Rangers’ front office is re‑examining its depth chart, exploring options such as promoting a middle‑relief pitcher from the minors to cover for the first‑baseman, and considering a mid‑season trade to acquire an infielder with a “healthy” profile. The article also mentioned that the Rangers’ front office is collaborating with their analytics team to identify potential short‑term replacements, including players with a high on‑base percentage and contact potential.

Impact on the Rangers’ playoff push

The Rangers’ manager, Bruce Bochy, is candid about the ramifications of these injuries on the team’s postseason hopes. “We’ve been in this league for a long time. You can’t expect everything to go smoothly. But it’s about how you respond,” he said. With a 9‑game stretch looming and the team in the 3rd place of the AL West, the Rangers must adapt quickly. The Dallas News noted that the team is leaning heavily on bench depth, pitching staff, and the young “little rascals” to keep the offense afloat.

The Rangers’ next priority is to get these players back on the field. The article ends with a hopeful note that “if the medical staff can get Garcia, Seager, and Semien on the roster for the crucial series against the Minnesota Twins, the Rangers have a chance to push for the playoffs.” Meanwhile, the organization’s long‑term prospects remain secure, but the current crisis will test the resilience and depth of the franchise.

Key takeaways

1. Veteran injuries: Garcia (right‑arm strain), Seager (hamstring strain), Semien (elbow injury) all face uncertain recovery timelines.
2. Minor‑league setbacks: Prospects Fujita, Morrison, and Kane have injuries that may delay their progression.
3. Roster challenges: The Rangers are scrambling to find replacements in the bullpen, infield, and outfield.
4. Playoff implications: The current injury wave could derail the Rangers’ postseason hopes, but the organization remains hopeful of a quick turnaround.

The Dallas News article underscores that the Rangers are in a precarious situation, but also emphasizes the organization’s robust medical, coaching, and scouting resources that will be mobilized to navigate through the tough stretch.