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Rangers Playoff Hopes Falter As Eovaldi And Scherzer Face New Injury Setbacks

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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 right side.

Rangers Playoff Hopes Falter As Eovaldi And Scherzer Face New Injury Setbacks

Nathan Eovaldi Right Side Tightness

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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.

“He’s so important to us that we’re not sure we want to push him,” Young said. “We may end up pushing him back or skipping a start.  We don’t think it’s an IL at this point, but we will decide that once he sees [team doctor] Dr. Meister.”

Test results revealed a low-grade oblique strain, but the Rangers still don’t think it will be a long-term injury.

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Despite recent struggles, the Rangers remain committed to making the playoffs and defending their World Series crown. This mindset helped lead Eovaldi to push through “tightness” early in his weekend outing to throw 80 pitches. However, Texas trainers did not allow the veteran to head out for the fourth inning.

Young told reporters that his pitcher wants to pitch through the issue and doesn’t consider it a big deal. But the Rangers will take it slow to avoid a potential long-term injury.

 “The most important thing is making sure he’s healthy and he finishes the season strong,” Young said. “We believe we are still in a race.”

Max Scherzer Slow Injury Rehab

The Eovaldi issue comes as the Rangers are dealing with another injury to pitcher Max Scherzer. Scherzer landed back on the injured list this month due to shoulder fatigue and has not responded to rest.

It’s clear that the future Hall of Famer will not be ready to return when first eligible on Thursday. Young acknowledged that Scherzer’s rehab has gone slow and that more needs to be done to resolve the issue.

“Our hope is that maybe we get back and explore some other diagnostic measures and get him back on the mound,” said Young. “But I don’t know what the timetable is going to be.”

Scherzer, 40, missed the start of the season recovering from offseason back surgery and a thumb issue. He’s 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.

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Part of this plan has come true. Tyler Mahle and Cody Bradford have returned in recent weeks and pitched well. Plus, Jacob deGrom looked good in a live batting practice session and could be on track for a September return.

Unfortunately, losing Eovaldi and Scherzer will likely counter the positive impact of their returns.

Possible Rangers Pitching Replacements

If Eovaldi misses extended time with his injury, the Rangers could decide to give more starts to underwhelming veterans like Jose Ureña or Dane Dunning. But it makes sense for Texas to look forward and start evaluating the 2025 rotation. The organization will need to replace Eovaldi, Scherzer, and Andrew Heaney on a potentially tight budget.

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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 Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker in the majors.

Leiter struggled in his brief debut earlier this year (an ER over 16 in three starts). However, he’s 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

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.

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Many expected Rocker to rise through the minors quickly. While the injury delayed his timeline, he still is a polished pitcher who doesn’t need much minor-league development. He’s likely on track to start next season in Triple-A and could debut in the first half of 2025. So, it wouldn’t be outlandish for the Rangers to give him an audition in the final weeks of 2024.

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.

Main Photo Credits: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

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