The Texas Rangers have activated right-handed reliever Jakob Junis from the 15-day injured list, giving their bullpen a significant boost ahead of Saturday’s matchup with the Athletics.
Junis had been sidelined since late July after suffering a left adductor strain. Texas placed him on the injured list July 30, retroactive to July 29, and he ultimately missed 15 games without needing a minor league rehabilitation assignment.
The 33-year-old has emerged as one of the Rangers’ most dependable bullpen options during his first season with the team.
Junis owns a 1-1 record with five saves, a team-best 14 holds and a 2.70 ERA across 36 appearances, including one start.
He has also recorded 30 strikeouts while issuing just seven walks over 40 innings, with Texas posting an impressive 28-8 record in games he has pitched.
This is Junis’ second IL stint of the summer. Earlier in July, he missed 11 games because of a right hip impingement before returning to action.
His latest comeback gives Texas another experienced arm as the club continues its push through the second half of the season.
To clear a spot for Junis, the Rangers designated veteran left-hander Marco Gonzales for assignment.
The 34-year-old had only been recalled from Triple-A Round Rock one day earlier and made an immediate impact, needing just one pitch to induce a double-play grounder against the Athletics.
Gonzales appeared in three games across two separate stints with Texas this season. He allowed only one earned run over 6⅔ innings, producing a 1.35 ERA while also recording one save.
His designation allows the Rangers to bring back Junis while making another notable adjustment to their pitching staff.
