Texas Rangers slugger Adolis Garcia has a moderate oblique strain and is not in the team’s lineup for Game 4 of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix.
Garcia left the Rangers’ Game 3 victory in the eighth inning after experiencing side tightness following a swing. He underwent imaging on his torso before Game 4, allowing the team to diagnose the strain.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters Garcia tried to take some swings and was “on the table getting further evaluation” with less than three hours before first pitch.
Texas will have to decide whether to replace Garcia or starting pitcher Max Scherzer (back) on their active roster for the series.
“We still have a little bit of time to see where we’re at with him and the possibility of him coming around,” Bochy said. “But we have to be honest, it’s not great news.”
Travis Jankowski drew the start in right field in Garcia’s place and will bat ninth. Designated hitter Mitch Garver moved up from the fifth spot in the lineup to the third.
Garcia hit the game-winning home run in the 11th inning of Game 1. He has already set the record for most RBIs in a single postseason (22).
Scherzer left his Game 3 start with back tightness. He said after the game his back “went into full spasm” and he was unsure whether he could play again in the series.
Scherzer, a trade deadline acquisition from the New York Mets, would be in line to start a potential Game 7 if healthy.
“Max, I’ll put in the same boat,” Bochy said. “He was pretty locked up when he walked in today. He’s on the table getting looked at, trying to get loose some. But he’s not feeling well.
“So, again, we have to make a call on him whether we’re going to wait a day or two or if we feel like we’re a little short, need a pitcher. That will be decided within the next hour or so.”
Texas leads the series 2-1.
