Texas Rangers Place Nathan Eovaldi on IL, Max Scherzer Trade Official

The Texas Rangers are swapping out one ace for another, as Nathan Eovaldi was placed on the injured list on the same day the trade for Max Scherzer become official.

The moves occurred before Sunday’s series finale with the San Diego Padres. It was originally Eovaldi’s turn in the rotation, but Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday that the right-hander was being skipped for the second time in less than a week.

Eovaldi is going on the 15-day IL retroactive to Thursday with a right forearm strain. Right-handed reliever Grant Anderson was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to fill the roster opening.

Eovaldi has made only one start since the All-Star break, throwing six shutout innings on July 18 in a win over Tampa Bay at Globe Life Field. Eovaldi is 11-3 with a 2.69 ERA for the season.

Eovaldi’s All-Star teammates Corey Seager and Jonah Heim are also on the IL.

The Scherzer trade from the New York Mets for Double-A prospect Luisangel Acuña was widely reported Saturday and finally announced by the Rangers on Sunday. The three-time Cy Young winner is 9-4 with a 4.01 ERA this season.

Scherzer would appear to slip into Eovaldi’s spot in the rotation going forward. The Rangers have six starters once Eovaldi returns, meaning some shifting of roles will take place.

The last Scherzer start for the Mets was Friday. He went seven innings and allowed just one run on six hits.

The American League West-leading Rangers (60-45) are 2-6 in their last eight games and have lost three consecutive series. The Padres (51-54) go for the sweep with Blake Snell (6-8, 2.67) on the hill. Rookie lefty Cody Bradford (2-1, 4.62) is making another fill-in start for Texas.

First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. at Petco Park.

Additional Rangers transactions for Sunday:
-RHP Nathan Eovaldi placed on 15-day Injured List, retroactive to 7/27, with right forearm strain.
-RHP Grant Anderson recalled from Round Rock (AAA).
— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) July 30, 2023

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