After robbing HR, Evan Carter fuels Rangers into rematch vs. Pirates

Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter is off to a slow start at the plate, but the 23-year-old still is finding ways to impact the game with his glove.

Carter will look to build on his impressive defensive play when the Rangers continue their three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday in Arlington, Texas.

Carter turned in the play of the game on Tuesday, when Texas posted a 5-1 win behind six strong innings from starter Kumar Rocker.

The Pirates trailed 2-1 before putting two runners on with two outs in the fifth inning. Rocker escaped unscathed after Carter soared high atop the center-field wall to rob Oneil Cruz of a three-run homer.

"That was a heck of a play in that moment," Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly said. "It's a huge swing there when you're talking about three runs and being (down) 2-1 to being up 4-2."

Carter is in the midst of a 3-for-23 slide at the plate, but he was able to admire his stellar catch after the game.

"It's kind of crazy that (Cruz) can hit a ball so high that hard," Carter said. "I've never (made a catch like) that before; that was really cool. I'm glad I caught it. Kumar did an incredible job, so I was glad I could back him up right there."

Wednesday's pitching matchup features a pair of right-handers, as the Rangers' Jack Leiter (1-1, 4.87 ERA) faces Pittsburgh's Braxton Ashcraft (1-1, 2.38).

Leiter allowed three runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Athletics last Thursday. The game was played amidst swirling winds in West Sacramento, Calif.

"That was not an easy game to play in," Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. "I played in a lot of games at Wrigley Field with wind, and this was maybe the worst I've ever been around, playing wise, hitting, fielding, throws. It's not easy."

Leiter, 26, lost his lone career start against the Pirates on June 22, 2025, when he gave up three runs over four innings in an 8-3 defeat.

The Pirates will counter with Ashcraft, who received a no-decision after allowing five runs (two earned) and striking out seven batters over 5 2/3 innings against the Washington Nationals last Thursday.

Ashcraft, 26, has recorded 24 strikeouts over his last three starts (16 2/3 innings). He is making his second career appearance against Texas after allowing one run over two innings in relief on June 20, 2025.

The Pirates are monitoring the status of second baseman Brandon Lowe, who has missed the past two games with some left knee discomfort. Lowe is batting .267 with seven homers and 18 RBIs.

"We're day-to-day right now," Kelly said. "A little discomfort in his left knee. He's feeling a lot better and trending in a positive direction."

The Pirates also scratched first baseman Spencer Horwitz prior to Tuesday's game with neck discomfort. Horwitz will be re-evaluated on Wednesday.

Texas left fielder Wyatt Langford exited Tuesday's game in the fifth inning with right forearm tightness and was replaced by Ezequiel Duran. Langford will have an MRI on his forearm on Wednesday.

--Field Level Media