Whatever the Texas Rangers were going to get from Nathan Eovaldi on Friday night was likely an upgrade over their recent patchwork rotation.
With both Eovaldi (triceps tightness) and Tyler Mahle (shoulder fatigue) sidelined, Texas had operated with a four-man rotation, leaning on Jacob Latz and a revolving door of bullpen arms to cover innings. But there’s no question the team is stronger with Eovaldi back on the mound.
In his first start since May 27, Eovaldi returned in Friday’s 7–6 extra-innings loss to the Mariners. He pitched three innings, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks while throwing 45 pitches. Though he wasn’t at his sharpest, manager Bruce Bochy remained optimistic, noting that Eovaldi hit the planned pitch limit and would only improve from here.
When Eovaldi exited, the Rangers trailed 3–1. But the bullpen held firm, giving the offense time to rally and force extras. Adolis García tied the game with a sacrifice fly in the 10th, but the Mariners edged back ahead in the 12th on a clutch hit from Miles Mastrobuoni. Despite multiple comeback efforts, Texas fell just short.
Physically, Eovaldi said he felt good, but admitted his mechanics were off and he couldn’t make the in-game adjustments he’s usually known for. His splitter and curveball lacked their usual bite, and he couldn’t find rhythm before hitting his pitch count.
Notably, Eovaldi didn’t complete a rehab assignment before returning. Instead, he built up through bullpen sessions and live BP, including a 50-pitch, three-inning simulated outing in Pittsburgh the week before. While those sessions felt solid, he acknowledged something was off in his mechanics during Friday’s outing and plans to correct that before his next scheduled start.
Despite a short outing, the Rangers are hopeful Eovaldi’s return marks a turning point for the rotation—one they desperately need with the playoff race heating up.
