Texas Rangers right-hander Chris Martin exited a live bullpen with a flare-up in a strained left calf, forcing a two- to three-day pause in his ramp-up as Texas re-evaluates readiness to return. The 39-year-old has posted a 2.36 ERA across 39 appearances this season and has been the bullpen’s setup man, though shoulder fatigue and elbow discomfort have sidelined him earlier. Evan Carter, 22, began a rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco as the club weighs activation timing, having been out since Aug. 2 with back spasms. Bochy stressed patience over urgency, and Texas will monitor both veterans’ progress as they chase a late-season push.

The injury adds depth concerns for a Rangers bullpen in a pennant race, with Carter’s return still in flux and Martín’s health acting as a wild card. Texas hosts Arizona in a key series, and the club will lean on the rest of the relief corps while avoiding re-injury risk should Martín return to the mound. Carter’s activation timing remains a focal point as the Rangers balance short-term needs with long-term viability.