Rangers Catcher Kyle Higashioka Pulled From Lineup Again Due to Back Spasms

This is the second time in the past two weeks the Rangers have scratched Higashioka from the lineup as a precautionary measure.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Texas Rangers have pulled starting catcher Kyle Higashioka from the lineup for the second time in the last two weeks due to back spasms. The 35-year-old Higashioka was replaced by Willie MacIver in the lineup, with the team describing the move as 'precautionary'. Higashioka has dealt with several nagging injuries over the past year, including an intercostal strain that landed him on the IL early last season.

Why it matters

Higashioka's recurring back issues are a concern for the Rangers, who are hoping he and Danny Jansen can split time evenly behind the plate this season. The team will need both catchers healthy and productive if they want to compete in the AL West.

The details

In the past 11 days, Higashioka has played just twice and taken only seven at-bats. Manager Skip Schumaker said 'back spasms happen' and they will see how Higashioka feels the next day. Between July 22 and August 19 last year, Higashioka was only able to start 8 of the Rangers' 24 games due to various injuries.

  • On February 25, Higashioka last played for the Rangers.
  • In the 11-day span since February 25, Higashioka has played just twice and taken 7 at-bats.

The players

Kyle Higashioka

A 35-year-old starting catcher for the Texas Rangers who has dealt with several nagging injuries over the past year, including back spasms that have caused him to be scratched from the lineup twice in the last two weeks.

Willie MacIver

The Rangers catcher who replaced Higashioka in the lineup on a 'precautionary' basis due to Higashioka's back spasms.

Skip Schumaker

The manager of the Texas Rangers.

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What they’re saying

“Back spasms happen. We will see how it feels tomorrow.”

— Skip Schumaker, Manager (dallasnews.com)

What’s next

The Rangers will monitor Higashioka's back spasms and determine if he is able to return to the lineup in the coming days.

The takeaway

Higashioka's recurring injury issues are a concern for the Rangers, who are counting on him and Danny Jansen to share the catching duties this season. The team will need both catchers healthy and productive if they hope to compete in the AL West.