Sep 27, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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2023 World Series champion Adolis Garcia set for MRI, Opening Day participation uncertain

Adolis Garcia has pain in his oblique

The Texas Rangers may have a major question mark in their lineup as Opening Day approaches. Outfielder Adolis Garcia was scratched from Tuesday’s spring training game and is set to undergo an MRI on his left oblique, raising concerns about his availability for the team’s season opener against the Boston Red Sox on March 27.

I’m going to be talking about 2023 adolis garcia for a very long time. wishing my goat a speedy recovery 🖤
— Lorenzo (@00htani) March 4, 2025

Adolis Garcia’s absence forced a last-minute lineup change, with Jake Burger stepping in as the designated hitter. This latest setback is particularly worrisome given that Garcia previously dealt with an oblique injury during the Rangers’ World Series run in 2023.

Lingering concerns over Adolis Garcia’s oblique

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy addressed the media, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Garcia’s status. “He’s going to miss a little bit of time. We’re hoping not much,” Bochy said. The team is waiting for the MRI results to determine the severity of the injury and whether an extended absence is on the horizon.

Bruce Bochy told reporters that Adolis Garcia is expected to miss a little bit of time, but are unsure of how much. pic.twitter.com/PG8cw9ez8k
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 4, 2025

The timing of the injury is far from ideal. Spring training is an opportunity for Garcia to regain form after a somewhat underwhelming 2023 season. The two-time All-Star slashed .224/.305/.418 with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs in 154 games, numbers that fell short of the dominant performance he showcased in 2022. So far this spring, he has collected six hits and two walks in 21 plate appearances, showing early signs of improvement.

If Garcia’s injury turns out to be significant, Texas will need to explore contingency plans in the outfield. With Corey Seager already nursing an injury and the team looking to compete again after their World Series win in 2023, losing Garcia for any stretch of time would be a tough blow.

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While the severity of the injury remains unknown, oblique strains can be tricky, often requiring weeks, sometimes months, of recovery.

For now, his Opening Day status remains up in the air.

Adolis Garcia

Texas Rangers

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.