FILE PHOTO: Jun 30, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Texas Rangers second base Marcus Semien (2) warms up before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
The Texas Rangers were dealt a devastating setback on Saturday, announcing that veteran second baseman Marcus Semien has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a left foot contusion. The injury, sustained when Semien fouled a pitch off his foot against the Kansas City Royals earlier in the week, could not have come at a worse time as Texas battles to stay alive in the American League playoff race.
Semien, one of baseball’s most durable players and the emotional leader of the Rangers’ clubhouse, has been a model of consistency since joining the team in 2022. He played nearly every game over the past three seasons, missing just six contests across more than 600 appearances. That streak of reliability makes his absence especially painful, both in terms of production and leadership.
The 34-year-old underwent extensive testing — including X-rays, an MRI, and a CT scan — which confirmed that while there is no fracture, the swelling and discomfort remain severe enough to sideline him. He is currently in a walking boot and will see a foot specialist for further evaluation. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy admitted that Semien’s frustration was clear, remarking, “He’s going to be grouchy. For him to even admit it’s going to take some time, you know it’s serious.”
This marks just the second time in Semien’s 13-year Major League career that he has landed on the injured list. The last instance came in 2017 with the Oakland Athletics, when he missed nearly three months with a wrist injury.
For the Rangers, losing Semien means temporarily filling one of the most critical spots in the lineup. Rookie Cody Freeman was penciled in at second base on Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians, but the pressure on Texas’ young players will only grow as the playoff race heats up.
Still, amidst the gloom, there was one bright spot. On the same day Semien was sidelined, the Rangers were able to welcome back a familiar face who had been rehabbing from injury. His return provides an immediate boost of energy, offensive potential, and veteran presence to a roster that desperately needs stability as it faces the grind of late August baseball.
With the Rangers also missing outfielder Evan Carter — sidelined with a fractured wrist and potentially lost for the season — the team is counting on this returning player and its younger core to carry the load while Semien heals.
Texas fans know the road ahead won’t be easy, but the return of a trusted contributor at such a crucial time could spark the kind of late-season rally that keeps the Rangers’ playoff dreams alive.
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