The Rangers are putting up Nathan Eovaldi on the injured list
Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi is being placed on the 15 day injured list with triceps soreness, it was announced today. To take his place on the active roster, the Rangers have purchased the contract of pitcher Codi Heuer. To create a spot on the 40 man roster for Heuer, the Rangers have designated catcher Tucker Barnhart for assignment.
Eovaldi was removed after two innings in his last start on Tuesday, May 27, in what was described as precautionary move due to triceps soreness. The reports on Eovaldi since then have been positive, but it appears the team is opting to err on the side of caution by placing Eovaldi on the injured list for what one would assume will be a stay not much longer than the minimum.
With off days this past Thursday and on Monday, the Rangers have some flexibility in how they shuffle their rotation to address Eovaldi’s spot. However, the other thing that likely made this decision easier for the team is that Kumar Rocker has been excellent in two rehab starts in the minors, throwing three shutout innings for Frisco on May 23 with two hits allowed and three Ks, and then four shutout innings for Round Rock on May 29 with five Ks, one walk and no hits.
Rocker went 53 pitches his last time out, so he probably would be limited to 75 pitches or so when he steps into Eovaldi’s spot in the rotation. Nonetheless, the Rangers have essentially six starting pitchers they have a degree of confidence in for their rotation, and that makes it easier for them to i.l. a guy rather than risk pushing him. That’s particularly important in the case of Eovaldi, who is under contract through 2027.
Heuer, a 28 year old righthander, hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2021, when he had a 4.28 ERA in 65 appearances between the two Chicago teams. He is presumably the pick because he’s rested, having not pitched since May 27, and can be DFA’d when Rocker is activated without stressing too much, since he likely won’t be claimed, but if he does, well, he’s Codi Heuer.
Barnhart is the odd man out on the 40 man roster, and I’m guessing the Rangers will play shorthanded today unless they can get Evan Carter in town in a hurry. Carter, currently on a rehab assignment with Round Rock, appeared set to be activated from the injured list on Tuesday, and so will presumably take Barnhart’s spot either today or then.
UPDATE — Per the beats, Chris Young says that Tyler Mahle is expected to start Tuesday in Tampa against the Rays, with Rocker starting on Wednesday.
UPDATE II — Just occurred to me that Chris Martin is throwing a bullpen today, and isn’t expected to need a rehab assignment, per Bruce Bochy’s recent comments. So I would think Martin replaces Heuer on Tuesday and, barring any other injuries, Rocker replaces either Cole Winn or Caleb Boushley on Wednesday.