Rangers optimistic after Adolis exits with side tightness

Rangers postseason star Adolis García exited Texas' 3-1 win over Arizona in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night with left side tightness after taking an awkward swing on a flyout to center field in the eighth inning. He immediately grimaced and grabbed his lower back after making contact and was replaced in right field by Travis Jankowski in the bottom of the frame.

The Rangers took a 2-1 series lead with the victory, improving to 9-0 on the road this postseason, but they are hoping it doesn't come at too high a cost. Earlier in the game, starter Max Scherzer also departed after three scoreless innings with back tightness.

"Doli will get some diagnostics done, we'll see where he’s at," manager Bruce Bochy said after the game. "Left side tightness, we’re being optimistic there, but we’ll know more tomorrow."

García -- who was the Game 1 walk-off hero but is 0-for-6 with two walks since that homer -- has made the Rangers' offense hum all October. He's hit eight home runs this postseason and has a 1.108 OPS and any missed time, or even a version of García at less than full strength, would be a significant loss for Texas. Jankowski or Robbie Grossman would be the candidates to start in right field if García can't play in Game 4.

“It’s tough," second baseman Marcus Semien said after the game. "We’ll see what happens with both of those guys. Adolis has been the heart and soul of our team. Hopefully, it's nothing too bad.”

Though he took an 0-fer at the plate on Monday night, García still made an outsized impact with a highlight-reel throw in the second inning to cut down a run at the plate. D-backs first baseman Christian Walker ran through a stop sign from his third-base coach, testing the strong arm of García, who threw a perfect one-hop strike.

"He’s just a complete player. Speed, arm, he can hit," Bochy said. "The guy can do it all. He’s accurate too and he loves to throw. He loves to be challenged. We’ve seen that quite a few times."