State Of The Staff: Texas Rangers Hope Injured Pitchers Start Rejoining Rotation Next Week

The Texas Rangers hope their beleaguered pitching staff will start getting healthy next week. Here's a look at the status of eight injured Rangers pitchers.
Apr 6, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Josh Sborz (66) is taken out of the game
Apr 6, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Josh Sborz (66) is taken out of the game / Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers currently have 10 pitchers on the injured list, the most in the American League and second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Major Leagues.

The injuries have been so frequent its easy to lose track of who's available, who's close to returning, and who's still has a long way to go before rejoining the Rangers roster.

The Rangers take a season-high five-game losing streak into Wednesday's series finale against the Cleveland Guardians at Globe Life Field.

Manager Bruce Bochy is ready to see the club turn it around, and some healthy pitchers

"I'm hoping it starts tonight," Bochy said before Wednesday's game. "Let's go ahead and get this losing streak out of the way, get back on a roll here. It's always tough when you go through these things, but you've got to keep battling. That's all you can do. And these guys are doing that."

Texas Rangers Injured Pitchers

Here's a look at the status of eight injured Texas Rangers pitchers and when you can expect to see them back on the field:

1. Dane Dunning

Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Dane Dunning (33) poses for a photo
Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Dane Dunning (33) poses for a photo / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports


The right-hander has been out with a right rotator cuff strain since May 8. He's available to come off the IL on Monday, and the Rangers hope he'll start the series opener in Philadelphia on Tuesday without making a rehab start in the minors.

2. Nathan Eovaldi

Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) poses for a
Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) poses for a / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports


The Opening Day starter has been out since May 3 with a right groin strain. He's available for activation on Saturday, but it depends on his recovery. Bochy said Eovaldi aims to throw off a mound this weekend, so he's likely at least a week away from returning.

3. Josh Sborz

Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Josh Sborz (66) poses for a photo
Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Josh Sborz (66) poses for a photo / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The reliever has been out with a right rotator cuff strain since May 9. It's his second stint on the IL with the injury. He's available to be activated as early as May 24 but will likely miss more than the 18 days he missed the first time on the IL to ensure the strain has healed.

4. Max Scherzer

Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) poses for a photo
Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) poses for a photo / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The three-time Cy Young winner won't be available until at least May 27. His recovery from December back surgery was progressing well (even ahead of schedule), as he was one rehab start from joining the rotation in late April. Unrelated thumb soreness, however, has turned into a nerve issue that has run up his right arm to his neck. An MRI has cleared any structural issues, but he was moved to the 60-day IL before Wednesday's game because he likely won't be ready for several weeks.

5. Cody Bradford

Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cody Bradford (61) poses for a photo
Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cody Bradford (61) poses for a photo / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

It's still unclear how much time the left-hander needs to recover from a fractured rib. He's been on the IL since April 14 after he left a start with a lower back strain. An MRI later discovered a fractured rib. He is throwing but has yet to pitch off a mound, which Bochy said could happen this week. Bradford is unlikely to be ready until mid-June.

6. Brock Burke

Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Brock Burke (46) poses for a photo
Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Brock Burke (46) poses for a photo / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The reliever broke his right hand after punching a door at Minute Maid Park after a rough outing. His IL stint isn't up until June 12, but he's likely further away than that.

7. Tyler Mahle

Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Tyler Mahle (51) poses for a photo
Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Tyler Mahle (51) poses for a photo / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The right-hander the Rangers acquired in the offseason has yet to throw a meaningful pitch for the club. He's progressing well from his Tommy John surgery recovering and is expected to join the rotation in July.

8. Jacob deGrom

Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) poses for a photo
Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) poses for a photo / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The two-time Cy Young winner is recovering from June Tommy John surgery and isn't expected to rejoin the rotation until August.

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Stefan Stevenson
STEFAN STEVENSON

Stefan Stevenson worked as a journalist and editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for 25 years, covering sports, concerts, and general news. His beats have included the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and Texas Christian University football.