Rangers Ease Langford Back From Injury With DH Role

Texas' young outfielder returns to lineup but will start at designated hitter against the Athletics.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with the figure and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange.A cubist interpretation of a baseball player's return to the lineup, with the game deconstructed into dynamic geometric shapes.Arlington Today

Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford has returned to the lineup after missing three games due to a slight quadriceps strain. However, the Rangers are easing him back into action, starting him as the designated hitter against the Oakland Athletics instead of in the field.

Why it matters

Langford is a key part of the Rangers' young core, so the team is taking a cautious approach to his recovery to ensure he can return to full strength without risk of re-injury. The DH role will allow Langford to contribute offensively while limiting the physical demands on his leg.

The details

Langford last started at DH during his rookie season in 2024, when he made 25 starts in that role. He struggled offensively in that limited sample, hitting just .247 with a .301 slugging percentage. The Rangers are hoping a return to DH will help Langford regain his rhythm at the plate as he works his way back from the quad injury.

  • Langford missed three games with the quadriceps strain.
  • Langford hit his first homer of the 2026 season on Friday in Los Angeles, in the same game he aggravated the quadriceps.

The players

Wyatt Langford

A young outfielder for the Texas Rangers who is returning from a slight quadriceps strain.

Ezequiel Duran

The Rangers outfielder who started in left field in Langford's absence.

Jeffrey Springs

The Oakland Athletics left-handed pitcher Langford will face in his return to the lineup.

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The takeaway

The Rangers are taking a cautious approach with Langford's recovery, easing him back into the lineup in a lower-impact DH role as he works to regain his form at the plate and fully heal from the quad injury.