Texas Rangers News: Max Scherzer and Evan Carter updates, embarrassing Rockies sweep

The Texas Rangers are no longer sitting atop the standing the in American League West. The Seattle Mariners are officially in first-place in the division, outpacing the Rangers by a half-game.

Texas is headed back home after a disastrous weekend in Denver. A sweep at the hands of the Colorado Rockies (which will be discussed in depth a little later) is not what manager Bruce Bochy nor Rangers fans expected after winning five of their past six games.

In addition to the embarrassing sweep at the hands of the Rockies, the Rangers did not receive great news on the injury front. What's going on with Max Scherzer and when will Evan Carter be back in the Rangers lineup?

Texas Rangers News: Max Scherzer injury update

The latest on Scherzer is not promising. After being sidelined to begin the 2024 season due to offseason back surgery, the former Cy Young Award-winner is now dealing with a nerve issue that extends up to his triceps muscle.

That's about the last thing Rangers fans wanted to hear after it looked as though Scherzer was ticketed for an early return. The Rangers' right-hander received a cortisone injection to help resolve the issue.

As far as a timeline is concerned, it sounds as if there is none. Scherzer's return to the mound is completely dependent on how he responds to treatment for this latest ailment. The pitching injuries continue to mount for Bochy and Rangers. Cody Bradford, Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Tyler Mahle are all on the injured list.

Texas Rangers News: Evan Carter injury

As if the injury update surrounding Scherzer wasn't bad enough, the Rangers are without Carter as well. The rookie outfielder was held out of Rangers' series with the Rockies and will now see a back specialist.

Carter suffered a stress fracture in his back a few years ago, and the 21-year-old is being cautious moving forward. Carter spoke to reporters on Sunday saying, "I'd rather miss a couple of games now and find out it's all in my head, than let it get worse."

Texas Rangers News: Embarrassing Rockies sweep

To add insult to injury, the Rockies swept the Rangers right out of Coors Field over the weekend. The Rangers scored just six runs over the three games — after racking up double-digit runs twice during the previous series against the Oakland A's.

The Rangers bullpen was the culprit in two of the three losses, but ultimately, it was the Rangers lack of hitting that doomed Texas this past weekend. The Rangers were 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position during the series. Adolis Garcia was 1-for-12 with five strikeouts.

The Rangers will have a chance to get back in the win column with a visit from the Cleveland Guardians up next. Michael Lorenzen gets the ball for Texas on Monday night.

More Texas Rangers News from Nolan Writin'