{"id":82834,"date":"2024-08-12T20:48:03","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T00:48:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=82834"},"modified":"2024-08-12T20:48:03","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T00:48:03","slug":"rangers-have-new-injury-to-nathan-eovaldi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/08\/12\/rangers-have-new-injury-to-nathan-eovaldi\/","title":{"rendered":"Rangers Playoff Hopes Falter As Eovaldi And Scherzer Face New Injury Setbacks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Texas Rangers aimed for a strong postseason push with a loaded pitching staff nearing full health. Unfortunately, the team has struggled since the trade deadline, with key pitchers sidelined by injuries once again. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/e\/eovalna01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nathan Eovaldi<\/a> represents the latest Rangers pitcher with an injury. The righty left his start on Saturday with tightness on the right side.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Rangers Playoff Hopes Falter As Eovaldi And Scherzer Face New Injury Setbacks<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Nathan Eovaldi Right Side Tightness<\/strong><\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Assorted injury updates from Bruce Bochy. <\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Nathan Eovaldi is being looked at today in Texas, no news as of now: &quot;We think, we&#39;re hoping, he just needs a couple of days.&quot;<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Max Scherzer is undergoing an MRI today, also back in Texas.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Shawn McFarland (@McFarland_Shawn) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/McFarland_Shawn\/status\/1823115678083129496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 12, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eovaldi managed only three innings against the New York Yankees before Texas removed him from the game. The 34-year-old returned to Texas to undergo further rather than travel with the team to Boston. Ranger general manager Chris Young told reporters that while Eovaldi will certainly get pushed back, his short-term future is in the air.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cHe\u2019s so important to us that we\u2019re not sure we want to push him,\u201d Young said. \u201cWe may end up pushing him back or skipping a start.\u00a0 We don\u2019t think it\u2019s an IL at this point, but we will decide that once he sees [team doctor] Dr. Meister.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Test results revealed a low-grade oblique strain, but the Rangers still don&#8217;t think it will be a long-term injury.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Nathan Eovaldi <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TXRangers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#TXRangers<\/a> update: Dr. Keith Meister called it a low grade oblique strain. His next start will be pushed back to this weekend&#8230;also keep in mind if he pitches 156 innings he gets a Player Option at $20 million with $3m in player performances per club source<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jim Bowden\u26be\ufe0f (@JimBowdenGM) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JimBowdenGM\/status\/1823058355385979389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 12, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite recent struggles, the Rangers <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/07\/30\/andrew-chafin-trade-rangers-tigers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">remain committed<\/a> to making the playoffs and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/11\/02\/texas-rangers-win-first-world-series\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">defending their World Series crown<\/a>. This mindset helped lead Eovaldi to push through \u201ctightness\u201d early in his weekend outing to throw 80 pitches. However, Texas trainers did not allow the veteran to head out for the fourth inning.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Young told reporters that his pitcher wants to pitch through the issue and doesn\u2019t consider it a big deal. But the Rangers will take it slow to avoid a potential long-term injury.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u201cThe most important thing is making sure he\u2019s healthy and he finishes the season strong,\u201d Young said. \u201cWe believe we are still in a race.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Max Scherzer Slow Injury Rehab<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Eovaldi issue comes as the Rangers are dealing with another injury to pitcher <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/scherma01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Max Scherzer<\/a>. Scherzer landed <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/08\/02\/rangers-max-scherzer-il-shoulder-fatigue\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">back on the injured<\/a> list this month due to shoulder fatigue and has not responded to rest.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s clear that the future Hall of Famer will not be ready to return when first eligible on Thursday. Young acknowledged that Scherzer\u2019s rehab has gone slow and that more needs to be done to resolve the issue.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOur hope is that maybe we get back and explore some other diagnostic measures and get him back on the mound,\u201d said Young. \u201cBut I don\u2019t know what the timetable is going to be.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scherzer, 40, missed the start of the season recovering from offseason back surgery and a thumb issue. He\u2019s made eight starts and accumulated less than 40 innings of work this year. The Rangers hoped that Scherzer would be one of many high-ceiling pitchers to return from injuries in the second half and lead a second straight postseason push.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Jacob deGrom was able to nitpick his second live bullpen session today. <\/p>\n<p>Those who faced him had less critiques. <\/p>\n<p>&quot;I think he looked like a two-time Cy Young award winner.&quot;<a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/0B1aYhTcw9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/0B1aYhTcw9<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Shawn McFarland (@McFarland_Shawn) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/McFarland_Shawn\/status\/1823135025178570832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 12, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Part of <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/07\/28\/rangers-jacob-degrom-trade-deadline\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">this plan<\/a> has come true. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mahlety01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Mahle<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bradfco01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cody Bradford<\/a> have returned in recent weeks and pitched well. Plus, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/degroja01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jacob deGrom<\/a> looked good in a live batting practice session and could be on track for a September return.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, losing Eovaldi and Scherzer will likely counter the positive impact of their returns.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Possible Rangers Pitching Replacements<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>If Eovaldi misses extended time with his injury, the Rangers could decide to give more starts to underwhelming veterans like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/u\/urenajo01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jose Ure\u00f1a<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dunnida01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dane Dunning<\/a>. But it makes sense for Texas to look forward and start evaluating the 2025 rotation. The organization will need to replace Eovaldi, Scherzer, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/h\/heanean01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andrew Heaney<\/a> on a potentially tight budget.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Chris Young did mention possibility of shortening Jack Leiter up for some relief work in September, but only to \u201cintegrate\u201d him into big leagues, not to transition him to relief<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Evan_P_Grant\/status\/1822657882833231962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 11, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Fortunately for Young, two high-end prospects will be ready in 2025 at a league-minimum salary. And with the Rangers catering in the standings, now represents an ideal time to evaluate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/l\/leiteja01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Leiter<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=rocker000kum\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kumar Rocker<\/a> in the majors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Leiter struggled in his brief debut earlier this year (an ER over 16 in three starts). However, he\u2019s pitched better in Triple-A, especially recently. In his last four starts, the 24-year-old has tossed 18 2\/3 innings with an ERA of 3.85. With the Ranger falling out of the race, Leiter could benefit from acclimating to the majors in a low-stress September environment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Rocker represents perhaps a more exciting situation. The righty quietly returned from Tommy John rehab recently and has dominated in the minors. In three Double-A starts, the 24-year-old has allowed zero runs in 11 innings with five hits, one walk, and 16 strikeouts.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Kumar Rocker was dominant again at AA.<\/p>\n<p>4 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K<\/p>\n<p>Fastball averaged 97.5 mph, touched 99. 52 pitches, 33 strikes. Slider was disgusting. 11 whiffs on the pitch alone.<\/p>\n<p>Since returning to AA: 11 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 16 K. Looks like a top pitching prospect. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/WmF3STk94b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/WmF3STk94b<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AramLeighton8\/status\/1822687374570078322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 11, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Many expected Rocker to rise through the minors quickly. While the injury delayed his timeline, he still is a polished pitcher who doesn\u2019t need much minor-league development. He\u2019s likely on track to start next season in Triple-A and could debut in the first half of 2025. So, it wouldn\u2019t be outlandish for the Rangers to give him an audition in the final weeks of 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>If Rocker or Leiter impress in their evaluations, the Rangers could enter the offseason with a better idea of how to allocate money. This could prove invaluable as the Rangers return to their World Series ways.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credits: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Texas Rangers aimed for a strong postseason push with a loaded pitching staff nearing full health. Unfortunately, the team has struggled since the trade deadline, with key pitchers sidelined by injuries once again. Nathan Eovaldi represents the latest Rangers pitcher with an injury. The righty left his start on Saturday with tightness on the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4683,"featured_media":82842,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18,1071,35],"tags":[2621,2051,79,2119],"class_list":["post-82834","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rangers","category-mlb","category-news","tag-jack-leiter","tag-kumar-rocker","tag-max-scherzer","tag-nathan-eovaldi"],"modified_by":"Evan Mazza, Site Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82834","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4683"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=82834"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82834\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/82842"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=82834"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=82834"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=82834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}