ARLINGTON — Texas Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka exited Tuesday’s game vs. the Athletics at Globe Life Field with hamstring tightness and will be reevaluated Wednesday.
Higashioka’s hamstring tightened up after he hit a two-out single in the bottom of the seventh inning during Tuesday’s 6-2 win. He remained in the game for the entire inning and was replaced defensively be Jonah Heim in the top of the eighth.
“I didn’t really think that much of it,” Higashioka said. “But then running from first to second [on a Josh Smith single], it was not so great.”
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The 35-year-old believed that he needed to be taken out of the game because he was unsure if he’d be able to properly run home. He wasn’t able to get anyone’s attention, stayed in the game, and scored on a three-run home run from Corey Seager in the at bat after Smith’s single.
“I don’t think I’ve ever known that I kind of need to come out,” Higashioka said. “Luckily, Corey’s a good teammate and hit a homer right there.”
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that there’s “always some level” of concern with hamstring injuries. Higashioka has hit .327/.345/.527 with three home runs over his past 15 games and already spent time on the injured list this season with a mild left intercostal strain.
The Rangers do not have a third catcher on their 40-man roster and would need to add one if Higashioka is placed on the injured list. Cooper Johnson — a 27-year-old who spent time with the club during big league spring training — is at Triple-A Round Rock and would be a logical option to take Higashioka’s spot if need be.
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