Rangers Scratched Nathan Eovaldi, Undergoes Tests for Tight Side Issue

The following report covers the Texas Rangers’ latest injury and lineup updates. It focuses on Nathan Eovaldi’s scratched start due to left-side tightness, the bullpen-game plan that followed, and where both Eovaldi and Josh Smith fit into the team’s broader injury timeline.

You’ll find a quick snapshot of immediate game-day decisions here, mixed with a bit of context from Eovaldi’s recent form and his injury history.

Eovaldi scratched with left-side tightness and bullpen-game plan

Texas announced that right-hander Nathan Eovaldi wouldn’t start Monday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks because of left-side tightness. The Rangers made the call about three hours before first pitch.

They pivoted to a bullpen game, turning to right-handed reliever Jakob Junis to start in Eovaldi’s place. Manager Skip Schumaker explained that Eovaldi felt the tightness earlier in the day.

Eovaldi underwent medical imaging while the team waited for results to see how serious it was and what to do next. This approach—gathering info and playing it safe—usually happens when a pitcher mentions any discomfort in the oblique or side area.

On the season, Eovaldi is 4-4 with a 4.15 ERA. He’d been gaining momentum, winning his two most recent starts against the Yankees and allowing just one run over eight innings combined.

He struck out 15 batters in those 15 innings, showing off his usual knack for missing bats when he’s healthy. Given his history of nagging, sometimes season-long flare-ups, the team’s being extra careful with him. Makes sense, right?

• Left-side tightness led to the change, with imaging to check how bad it is.
• Jakob Junis stepped in for a bullpen game, which is pretty standard when a starter can’t go but the team still wants to piece together a competitive effort.
• The Rangers made it clear they’re being cautious, hoping to keep Eovaldi available for a stretch of important games coming up.

Seasonal form and the weight of prior injuries

This season, Eovaldi’s numbers sit at 4-4 with a 4.15 ERA. That’s solid enough, though you get the feeling it could look even better if he stayed healthy all year.

His recent work against the Yankees stands out—two strong starts, eight innings, just one run allowed, and 15 strikeouts. That’s the version of Eovaldi fans want to see, the guy with velocity, control, and strikeout stuff.

Last season, Eovaldi went 11-3 with a career-best 1.73 ERA before injuries limited him to 22 starts. He dealt with elbow inflammation in June and didn’t pitch after August 22 because of a rotator cuff strain.

Those past issues explain why Texas is taking it slow now, putting durability ahead of a quick return. Honestly, it feels like the only move if they want him around for the long haul.

Roster update: Josh Smith dealing with wrist inflammation

Second baseman Josh Smith is sidelined with wrist inflammation and is also rehabbing a strained right glute. The wrist problem will push back his return from the 10-day injured list.

The Rangers moved him to the IL retroactive to May 4, so he could’ve been eligible to activate Friday. Now, that timeline looks shaky.

It’s not just one thing—both the wrist and glute issues are making his path back to the lineup pretty complicated. That’s a tough break for the Rangers’ infield depth.

Before getting hurt, Smith played in 31 games and hit .217. He didn’t hit any home runs and drove in six runs.

He made two errors in 88 chances. Those numbers don’t really capture his defensive versatility or the steady presence he brings at second base.

Anytime Smith gets back to full health, it’ll be a boost for Texas’s infield and bench. The Rangers could use that flexibility, honestly.

 
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