The Texas Rangers have received an update following an injury scare on Wednesday night when Joc Pederson exited their 6-4 extra-inning win over the Kansas City Royals. According to Rangers beat reporter Kennedi Landry, Pederson left the game in the fifth inning because of discomfort in his left hip.
The veteran designated hitter went 0-for-1 with a walk before his early exit. The Rangers have not yet announced whether the injury will force him to miss additional games. Pederson started the game as Texas looked to bounce back against Kansas City in the second game of the series.
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The Rangers entered the night needing a win after dropping the opener, and they eventually earned it in dramatic fashion despite losing one of their key hitters during the game.
The night began with another concern for the Royals as starter Seth Lugo left the game in the fourth inning after taking a 106-mph comebacker off his forehead from the bat of former teammate Brandon Nimmo. Lugo fell to the ground but quickly got back to his feet and walked off under his own power. His exit forced the Royals to turn to their bullpen earlier than expected.
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The Rangers held an early lead before Kansas City fought back in the fifth inning. Vinnie Pasquantino started the rally with a walk, and Starling Marte followed with a single.
Top prospect Jac Caglianone continued his strong night with an RBI single that tied the game. Caglianone finished with four hits and drove the Royals’ offense throughout the contest.
Pederson left the game shortly afterward. The Rangers turned to Jake Burger, who entered as his replacement and immediately changed the game.
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Kansas City grabbed a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning when Dillon Collins doubled and later scored on a Lane Thomas single. The Royals appeared to have momentum, but Burger answered in the seventh. Leading off the inning, he launched a solo home run over the left-field wall to tie the game at 3-3.
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger (21) and designated hitter Joc Pederson (3).© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Royals regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning. Caglianone collected his third hit of the night before Nick Loftin drove him home with a triple, giving Kansas City a 4-3 advantage.
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The Royals threatened in the bottom of the 10th inning, loading the bases against the Texas bullpen and bringing the winning run to the plate. However, the Rangers escaped the jam and secured the 6-4 victory.
The win evened the three-game series and improved Texas’ outlook heading into the finale. Pederson’s injury was the only negative for the Rangers.
The 34-year-old entered Wednesday batting .131 with two home runs, six RBIs, and a .507 OPS across 122 at-bats this season. While his numbers have fallen short of expectations, the Rangers value his experience and left-handed bat
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.