Carter Undergoes Hip Surgery, May Miss Opening Day
Rangers center fielder Evan Carter had arthroscopic right hip surgery to repair a labral injury, and the team says he could miss the start of next season.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Baseball
Rangers center fielder Evan Carter underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right hip last week to address a labral injury. Carter finished the season with lingering glute discomfort that persisted into the offseason, prompting specialists to recommend the procedure.
Why it matters
Carter played a career-high 141 games this season but struggled at the plate, slashing .194/.288/.315, so his recovery affects the Rangers' outfield plans for 2027. Team doctors expect a full recovery, but the timeline could keep him out at the start of next season.
The club-reported medical outcome rests on specialist recommendations after soreness lingered into the offseason, with recovery from hip labrum surgery estimated at up to nine months. Carter's .602 OPS ranked third-worst league wide among players with 400 or more plate appearances, and whether his rehab will be complete by opening day remains undetermined.
The players
Evan Carter
Evan Carter is a Texas Rangers center fielder who was an American League Gold Glove finalist in center field this season.
Chris Young
Chris Young is the Texas Rangers president of baseball operations who oversees the club's baseball decisions.
The details
Carter finished the season with discomfort in his glute, and when the soreness did not resolve, multiple specialists recommended the arthroscopic procedure. The club did not initially believe the issue was long-term, but the lingering symptoms changed that assessment. Despite the injury, Carter was an American League Gold Glove finalist in center field this season.
Timeline
Last week: Carter underwent arthroscopic right hip surgery.
Monday, November 2, 2026: Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young said Carter could miss the start of next season.
2027: Carter could miss the start of the season.
Season Trajectory
Carter's recovery from labral hip surgery, which can take up to nine months, places his availability for the start of next season in doubt. That timeline matters for a Rangers outfield that must account for a center fielder coming off a .602 OPS season.
Carter's possible absence from the start of 2027 means fantasy managers and the club must plan for an outfield without him early in the season. The Rangers will need to monitor his rehab before setting their Opening Day roster.
The takeaway
Hip labral injuries that linger past a season often require a long recovery, so teams and fans should treat early timelines as provisional. Watch for updates from the Rangers on Carter's rehab progress before opening day.
What happens next
The Rangers will look to confirm Carter's rehab progress as the 2027 season approaches, with his availability for opening day still to be determined.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster and season outlook, see Arlington Baseball coverage.
