Bruce Bochy Announces Reason for Wyatt Langford's Removal From Rangers Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 6:34 PM ET

The Texas Rangers have reinserted themselves back into the playoff picture, yet after losing four straight games — including three in a row against division rival Houston Astros — their chances of reaching the postseason are now slim.

Texas still owns a 79-74 record, and throughout all the injuries to the pitching staff and batting lineup, Wyatt Langford has emerged as a star in his second full season on the big-league roster. The 23-year-old left fielder rose through the minor leagues quickly after the Rangers selected him fourth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. Langford was called up a year later and proved he belongs at the major-league level after a slow start. He finished seventh in AL Rookie of the Year voting last year.

Ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Miami Marlins, Langford was notably absent from the lineup, with Alejandro Osuna slotted in at left field in his place. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy announced the reason for his removal during pregame. “Bruce Bochy said Wyatt Langford has some left side tightness, which is why he isn’t in the lineup today,” wrote MLB.com’s Kennedi Landry.

This is an unfortunate development for the Rangers, as every game down the stretch matters and a playoff berth remains a possibility. However, without Langford’s bat in the lineup, a four-game deficit in the AL wild card race may seem insurmountable. Langford played a huge role in the team’s six-game winning streak in September that placed them back into the race.

Bruce Bochy said Wyatt Langford has some left side tightness, which is why he isn’t in the lineup today.
— kennedi landry (@kennlandry) September 19, 2025

Langford has continued to impress this year, posting a .241 batting average, .342 on-base percentage, .769 OPS, 21 home runs and 61 RBIs. He’s remained one of the game’s most underrated stars and will continue to produce as his career progresses.

The severity of his injury is unknown, but if Texas continues to slide in the standings, Langford may be shut down — as he remains a key part of the franchise’s future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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