Introduction to Josh Sborz’s Injury
The Texas Rangers have announced that Josh Sborz, a right-handed relief pitcher, will not be pitching for the remainder of the season. This decision comes after Sborz’s multiple attempts to recover from offseason shoulder surgery. Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy confirmed the news on Sunday morning, stating that Sborz is shut down and will focus on preparing for the 2026 season.
Background on Sborz’s Injury
Sborz, 31, underwent a right shoulder debridement operation in November after an injury-plagued 2023 season. He was expected to be out until midseason this year but pitched in a dozen minor league rehab games. However, he was unable to throw his fastball as hard as he did two years ago. The Rangers determined that there isn’t a large enough window to fully rehab Sborz with just 18 regular-season games left to play.
The Rangers’ Decision
"We’re out of time," Bochy said. "It’s time to get him ready for 2026." The Rangers believe that a restful offseason will help prepare Sborz for spring training. Sborz had a 3.86 ERA in 17 games last year and was a key player in the team’s bullpen during its World Series run. His fastball averaged 96.9 mph in 2023, but it has decreased significantly since then.
Sborz’s Rehab Attempts
Sborz pitched in seven July games before the team paused his rehab in early August with the hope that a "de-load" could help his velocity return. He pitched five times between Aug. 17-30 before he was shelved for the season. In his last appearance for Triple-A Round Rock, his fastball averaged 90-92 mph, which is significantly slower than his previous speeds.
The Future for Sborz
The Rangers are hopeful that Sborz will be able to regain his form after a restful offseason. "He was pushing it hard," Bochy said. "He was trying to get ready. You saw it. We just had to make the call. There’s just not enough time to get him ready." Sborz will focus on preparing for the 2026 season, and the Rangers are confident that he will be able to make a full recovery.
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Conclusion
The Texas Rangers have made the difficult decision to shut down Josh Sborz for the remainder of the season. While this news may be disappointing for fans, it is a necessary step to ensure that Sborz is able to make a full recovery and regain his form. The Rangers are hopeful that Sborz will be able to contribute to the team’s success in the future.
FAQs
Q: What is Josh Sborz’s current status with the Texas Rangers?
A: Josh Sborz is currently shut down and will not pitch for the remainder of the season.
Q: What was the reason for Sborz’s shutdown?
A: Sborz was shut down due to his inability to fully recover from offseason shoulder surgery.
Q: How many games did Sborz pitch in during his rehab attempts?
A: Sborz pitched in a dozen minor league rehab games.
Q: What is the expected timeline for Sborz’s return to the team?
A: Sborz is expected to be ready for spring training in 2026.
Q: How can fans stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates on the Texas Rangers?
A: Fans can sign up for the team’s newsletter to receive exclusive content, including news, updates, and analysis.
