The Texas Rangers could soon receive a significant boost to their bullpen, as relievers Carter Baumler and Robert Garcia are progressing toward returns from injury.
Baumler is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock today, while Garcia is expected to start his own assignment there later this week, according to Evan Grant.
Both pitchers were part of Texas’ Opening Day bullpen before landing on the injured list in April, and it once appeared unlikely that either would return this season.
Baumler, a Rule 5 selection, pitched in four games before suffering an intercostal strain and later experienced a setback during an earlier rehab assignment.
Garcia made nine appearances before being sidelined with a shoulder strain and was expected to play an important role in the Rangers’ late-inning plans.
If their rehab assignments go well, both relievers could potentially rejoin the major league bullpen before the end of the season.
Their returns would be especially helpful for Texas, and with two open spots already available on the 40-man roster, the Rangers would not need to make an additional roster move to accommodate either pitcher once they are ready.
