Why Evan Carter isn't playing today for Rangers in Opening Day lineup

The Texas Rangers open their 2026 MLB season on Thursday.

Evan Carter won't be a part of the lineup, and it's a frustrating moment for Rangers fans still dreaming big on the young outfielder.

Texas is in Philadelphia for an odd season-opening matchup with the Phillies. Carter is on the bench.

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Here's how the first lineup of the season looks for the Rangers:

1. Brandon Nimmo RF
2. Wyatt Langford CF
3. Corey Seager SS
4. Jake Burger 1B
5. Andrew McCutchen DH
6. Josh Jung 3B
7. Josh Smith 2B
8. Danny Jansen C
9. Sam Haggerty LF

The Rangers start Nathan Eovaldi on the mound.

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Why isn't Evan Carter playing today?

Carter is sitting due to the starting pitcher for the Phillies.

Cristopher Sanchez gets the ball for Philadelphia. A talented left-hander, he pitches from the same side as the lefty-hitting Carter.

The Rangers have often sat Carter in the past against lefties, and they're doing it again to start this season.

He actually has dramatically terrible stats against southpaws.

Carter has a career .829 OPS against righties.

He only has a .275 OPS against lefties, not a typo. He's just 5-for-60 against left-handed pitching in his career, all singles.

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