Texas Rangers' Cody Freeman to miss several weeks with fracture in lower back

Utility player expected to be out 4-6 weeks, likely missing Opening Day roster

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Texas Rangers utility player Cody Freeman is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a fracture in his lower back, manager Skip Schumaker announced. The injury essentially eliminates the 25-year-old's chances of making the Rangers' Opening Day roster, as there are only 5 weeks until the season opener.

Why it matters

Freeman was expected to compete for a utility role on the Rangers' roster this season after making his MLB debut last year and providing a spark in the second half. His injury opens the door for other players like Ezequiel Duran to potentially claim that roster spot.

The details

Schumaker said Freeman will 'start his spring training at the four-week mark' if he heals as expected. In addition, right-hander Winston Santos was also diagnosed with a fracture after being hit in the left wrist by a comebacker and is expected to miss 4 weeks of facing hitters, though he can still throw bullpens. The Rangers also scratched Michael Helman from the lineup on Saturday as a precautionary measure for a slight groin issue.

  • There are only 5 weeks remaining until the Rangers open the season at Philadelphia on March 26.
  • Freeman is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with the fracture in his lower back.

The players

Cody Freeman

A 25-year-old utility player for the Texas Rangers who was expected to compete for a roster spot this season before suffering a fracture in his lower back that will sideline him for 4-6 weeks.

Skip Schumaker

The manager of the Texas Rangers who announced Freeman's injury and timeline for recovery.

Ezequiel Duran

A Rangers player who was also competing for a utility role on the team's opening day roster, and may have an edge over Freeman due to his ability to play shortstop.

Winston Santos

A Rangers right-handed pitcher who was also diagnosed with a fracture after being hit in the left wrist by a comebacker, and is expected to miss 4 weeks of facing hitters.

Michael Helman

A Rangers player who was scratched from the lineup on Saturday as a precautionary measure due to a slight groin issue.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, he wasn't thrilled with the news. He's he's going to be out a little bit. But he's the type of kid that he will get something out of this rehab. I know it's tough for him, but it's not like he's not part of the plan moving forward. He's going to help us at some point during the season.”

— Skip Schumaker, Manager, Texas Rangers (dallasnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This injury to Cody Freeman opens up opportunities for other players on the Rangers' roster, particularly Ezequiel Duran who has the advantage of being able to play shortstop. The Rangers will have to adjust their plans for the start of the season with Freeman sidelined for at least a month.