Rangers' Cody Freeman Out 4-6 Weeks with Back Fracture

Texas Rangers infielder Cody Freeman sustained a lower back fracture that will sideline him for at least four to six weeks, manager Skip Schumaker announced Saturday during spring training in Surprise, Arizona. The injury comes with just five weeks until the Rangers' season opener on March 26 against the Philadelphia Phillies, potentially complicating Freeman's bid for a utility role on the opening day roster.

Freeman, a 25-year-old who made his major league debut last season, was among a group of players vying for backup infield spots, including Ezequiel Duran, Michael Helman, Sam Haggerty and Tyler Wade. The fracture requires an initial recovery period before he can resume spring training activities, followed by a ramp-up phase. Schumaker noted the challenge for the young player, who was set to expand his versatility with outfield work this spring. "Obviously he wasn't thrilled," Schumaker said. "He's going to be out a little bit. But he's the type of kid that he will get something out of this rehab. I know it's tough for him, but it's not like he's not part of the plan moving forward. He's going to help us at some point during the season."

The injury likely secures a bench...