Texas Rangers Injury Updates
ARLINGTON — Texas Rangers starting pitchers Nathan Eovaldi and Cody Bradford could both take significant steps in their return to the big league rotation this weekend. Eovaldi threw a bullpen at Globe Life Field Tuesday — his second since he was placed on the injured list on May 29 with elbow inflammation — and will face hitters either Saturday or Sunday when the Rangers are in Pittsburgh if all goes well.
Eovaldi’s Progress
That will determine whether the 35-year-old is ready to pitch in a game. It’s just a matter of when and where. The Rangers have not yet determined whether Eovaldi will need to make a minor league rehab start before he returns to Texas’ rotation, though Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said there’s a “good chance” that his next start will be at the big league level.
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Bradford’s Rehab Assignment
Bradford, who’s been sidelined since spring training with an elbow sprain, is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment this weekend. The 27-year-old came down with a fever Tuesday and could have his assignment pushed back “a day or two,” according to Bochy.
For reference, Bradford pitched in three rehab games — two starts and one relief appearance — last season after he was sidelined for more than three months with a back injury. He hasn’t pitched in a game this season since a March 6 exhibition vs. the San Diego Padres during spring training.
Other Injury Updates
Right-handers Josh Sborz and Jon Gray are both further away but not by a significant margin. Sborz (shoulder surgery) will throw a bullpen Wednesday, and according to Bochy, will throw one more after that before he begins a rehab assignment. Gray (fractured wrist) will throw three more bullpens before he faces hitters.
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Conclusion
The Texas Rangers are getting closer to having their full roster back, with Nathan Eovaldi and Cody Bradford taking significant steps in their return to the big league rotation. While there are still some injuries to contend with, the team is optimistic about their chances of making a playoff push.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Nathan Eovaldi return to the rotation?
A: Eovaldi will face hitters either Saturday or Sunday, and if all goes well, he could return to the rotation soon. However, the team has not yet determined whether he will need to make a minor league rehab start first.
Q: What is Cody Bradford’s status?
A: Bradford is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment this weekend, but he came down with a fever and may have his assignment pushed back a day or two.
Q: How are Josh Sborz and Jon Gray doing?
A: Sborz will throw a bullpen Wednesday and will throw one more after that before beginning a rehab assignment. Gray will throw three more bullpens before facing hitters.
