Evan Carter’s Road to Recovery and Improvement
SURPRISE, Ariz. — Evan Carter needs at-bats against left-handed pitching. The Rangers were scheduled to face one on Tuesday. Carter was not in the lineup.
What’s up with that?
Understanding the Situation
Turns out, Carter needs at-bats, period. And the Rangers are taking a moment to prioritize quantity over quality. While the Los Angeles Angels were scheduled to start lefty José Suarez, who has 61 major league starts, in the exhibition , Carter was, instead, getting a slew of at-bats in live batting practice and in minor league exhibitions, which began Tuesday.
Manager’s Perspective
“He needs at-bats, period,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “It comes down to what’s more important right now, one at-bat against a lefty or lots of at-bats against right-handers and left-handers.
“I think he will tell you he’s not quite there yet, and so just any at-bats, I think, will benefit him now. He only got two in the Arizona game the other day. So, I’d rather see him get seven or eight or even nine — whatever — down there.”
Carter’s Current Performance
Bochy acknowledged that Carter, who didn’t play after May 26 last year because of a back issue, has been a little “rusty.”
Carter is 0 for 7 with five strikeouts against left-handers this spring, but is also only 3 for 13 with a single walk against right-handers. Carter normally has exceptional plate discipline and command of the strike zone, so the numbers do stand out.
Risks and Challenges
Though only 22, Carter risks getting caught in the platoon player vortex if his numbers against lefties don’t improve. Including postseason, Carter’s career slash line against lefties is .085/.167/.106/.273 in 47 career plate appearances. It is a tiny sample, but players on contending teams often only get limited opportunities to prove themselves in a role.
Given Carter’s back condition, which is expected to require maintenance and some rest, playing only against right-handed pitching this season might be a good way to maximize both his performance and his health.
Support System
Carter was not alone on the back fields on Tuesday. Both Joc Pederson, who has started slowly this spring, and Adolis García, who is returning from a slightly strained oblique, were scheduled to join him.
Staying Connected
Twitter: @Evan_P_Grant
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Evan Carter’s road to recovery and improvement is a long and challenging one. With the support of his team and coaching staff, he is working hard to get back to his best form. By prioritizing quantity over quality and focusing on getting as many at-bats as possible, Carter is taking the right steps to maximize his performance and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was Evan Carter not in the lineup on Tuesday?
A: Evan Carter was not in the lineup on Tuesday because the Rangers wanted him to get more at-bats in live batting practice and minor league exhibitions.
Q: What is Carter’s current performance like?
A: Carter is 0 for 7 with five strikeouts against left-handers this spring, and 3 for 13 with a single walk against right-handers.
Q: What are the risks and challenges facing Carter?
A: Carter risks getting caught in the platoon player vortex if his numbers against lefties don’t improve, and his back condition requires maintenance and rest.
Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest Rangers news?
A: You can follow @Evan_P_Grant on Twitter, find more Rangers coverage from The Dallas Morning News, or sign up for the Rangers newsletter.
