MINNEAPOLIS — Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi completed another milestone in his return from a strained right groin during a bullpen session at Target Field on Friday, and manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday that the next step will likely be a minor league rehab assignment.
“It’s important for him to get the rehab started and maintain control with his pitching and stuff,” Bochy said.
Eovaldi had not pitched since May 2 against the Washington Nationals and was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 3. He had a 2.61 ERA in seven starts before going on the disabled list. The Rangers have not yet announced their starter for Sunday’s series finale against the Twins, but Bochy said he will likely either go with the bullpen or use right-handed pitcher Jerson Garavito, who was added to the team’s taxi squad on Saturday.
Garavito, 28, signed a minor league contract on December 8. He has pitched in seven games (five starts) with Triple-A Round Rock this season with a 2.05 ERA. His last start came on May 18, when he threw a 93.4 mph fastball, a sinker, slider, cutter and changeup. A native of the Dominican Republic, Garavito spent seven minor league seasons as a pitcher with the Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants and Rangers.
Texas would have to add him to the 40-man roster and make a roster shakeup before they could use him, and their spot-starting options are limited given that six major league starting pitchers are currently on the disabled list and the fact that Owen White, who hasn’t pitched since May 18 and hasn’t been notable in any major league appearances this season, is the only rested starter at Triple-A Round Rock.
“He’s pitching well,” Bochy said. “He’s throwing strikes, he’s pitching well. This is what he’s earned. We haven’t done anything with him yet, but he’s here, he’s on the taxi squad.”
In other injury news, Bochy said Saturday that starting pitcher Jose Ureña, who was replaced in the sixth inning of Friday’s game against the Twins due to swelling in his right ankle after being a returning pitcher, will likely not miss the game.
“He’s going to be sore, as expected,” Bouchi said, “but I think he’ll be ready for his next start.”
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