The Texas Rangers could dip into the minor leagues for help if left fielder Wyatt Langford needs time on the injured list because of right oblique tightness.
Wyatt Langford showed his power Tuesday night by rifling a solo home run 406 feet through the cold air at Wrigley Field. When he came up in the seventh, more opportunity to do damage awaited him.
Instead, he had to exit the game with what manager Bruce Bochy said was right oblique tightness. The Rangers were planning for Langford to undergo an MRI exam to determine the severity of the injury.
He told reporters in Chicago that the issue is not as bad as the minor left oblique strain he had early in spring training. An MRI showed a minor strain, and he missed nearly two weeks before making his spring debut.
A minor strain could allow the Rangers to keep Langford off the IL. The Rangers have off days Thursday and Monday and might be postponed by weather Wednesday, so they could try to play three games without Langford.
If the Rangers choose their more common path, erring on the side of caution and placing Langford on the IL, their best option is Triple A Round Rock outfielder Dustin Harris.
Harris is a left-handed hitter with power and speed, and he showed well in spring training. He can play all three outfield spots and also first base and third base in a pinch.
He’s also on the 40-man roster, and that is a big feather in his cap.
The Rangers could recall Ezequiel Duran, who was sent to Round Rock on Tuesday as the Rangers reinstated Josh Jung from the injured list. Evan Carter is another possibility, though he was hit in the hand Tuesday and might need time off. With a .092 average, he also hasn’t figured out his swing yet.
If the Rangers wanted to go with a player not on the 40-man roster, spring star Alejandro Osuna would likely get some support from the Rangers’ coaching staff. He started the season at Double A Frisco but is batting only .118.
Blaine Crim is the hottest hitter in the farm system but is not an outfielder. However, Josh Smith can play the outfield, and Crim could spell Jake Burger at first base or Joc Pederson at designated hitter.
Jeff Wilson, jwilson@alldlls.com
