The Texas Rangers received unfortunate news ahead of their series opener against the Kansas City Royals as starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right groin strain. This move came after Eovaldi exited his previous start prematurely in the sixth inning.
Eovaldi acknowledged his injury, stating that while he had experienced hip flexor and groin issues in the past, this particular strain was severe enough to warrant leaving the game. Following discussions with manager Bruce Bochy, pitching coach Mike Maddux, and trainers, the decision was made to prioritize his long-term health by placing him on the injured list.
An MRI confirmed the extent of Eovaldi’s injury, indicating that he is likely to miss two starts. Consequently, the Rangers will need to rely on spot starters during their upcoming road trip, with Jack Leiter being a potential candidate for a second MLB start, according to Bochy.
Despite the setback, neither Eovaldi nor the club expressed significant concern about the injury. Eovaldi, who had been the team’s Opening Day starter, had been performing well this season, boasting a 2-2 record with a 2.61 ERA in seven starts.
To fill Eovaldi’s roster spot, the Rangers recalled right-hander Yerry Rodriguez from Triple-A Round Rock. Rodriguez had previously made the Opening Day roster but was subsequently sent down to the minors.
The Rangers have already faced challenges with injuries to their pitching staff this season, including absences from Cody Bradford, Max Scherzer, Tyler Mahle, and Jacob deGrom, underscoring the importance of managing Eovaldi’s injury cautiously as they navigate the early stages of the season.