The Texas Rangers are working to strike a balance between staying competitive and managing the workload of their starting pitchers, particularly Tyler Mahle, who is coming off Tommy John surgery.
To help give Mahle an additional day of rest, the Rangers plan to use a bullpen game on Sunday against the Washington Nationals. Manager Bruce Bochy has not named a starter yet, as that will depend on how the bullpen is used in relief of Jacob deGrom on Saturday.
Bochy confirmed that Mahle is scheduled to start Tuesday, taking advantage of Monday’s off-day to give him a full week of rest.
Mahle was initially slated to start Sunday, but the team changed plans, listing Sunday’s starter as TBA in game notes.
The move mirrors how the Rangers have carefully managed deGrom’s return from surgery, and now Mahle—who has been effective this season with a 5-3 record and a 2.02 ERA—is receiving similar treatment.
Tyler MahleThis decision could also allow for extra rest throughout the rotation.
Jack Leiter, who last pitched Thursday, may slide into Kumar Rocker’s spot on Wednesday.
Patrick Corbin could follow on Thursday, and the rotation might get a boost Friday with Nathan Eovaldi potentially returning from the injured list. If activated, Eovaldi could give deGrom an added day of rest as well.
