Rangers' playoff plot thickens as they return pair of power punchers from IL
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ARLINGTON -- Time is running out for the Rangers.
Entering Saturday’s slate of games, the club sits three games back of the Astros in the AL West, while also standing three games back of the final AL Wild Card spot. They have 14 left to play.
But they’ll have two key players back for the final push. Ahead of Saturday’s matchup with the Diamondbacks, the Rangers activated third baseman Josh Jung (left calf) and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (right elbow) from the injured list.
Jung, who missed 47 total games, went 3-for-15 with one home run, one double and a pair of RBIs in four games on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock. He made a pair of starts at third base, logging 12 total innings and three errorless chances, including one double play.
Jung hit .294 with an .802 OPS in 92 games this season, ranking among club leaders in multi-hit games (second, 32), doubles (third, 23) and hits (fourth, 104).
Eovaldi opted to go without a rehab assignment after missing Texas’ last 31 games with elbow inflammation.
“Obviously, with Nate's background and his mentality and the way he feels, he doesn't want to waste too many more pitches on lives and that type of stuff,” manager Skip Schumaker said. “I love where he's at because he feels like he can help the team win right now and doesn't want to waste any more of these rehab assignments or anything else.”
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In 22 starts this season, Eovaldi went 10-9 with a 4.21 ERA, 137 strikeouts to 22 walks, ranking among club leaders in wins (tied for first), strikeouts (third), innings (132 2/3, fourth), and starts (22, fourth).
He’s expected to pitch out of the bullpen due to the lack of time required to build up.
“It's not just an arm, it’s Evo, right?” Schumaker said. “That's a whole different arm, and I think that's the exciting part. I think it could provide a potential spark in seeing Evo coming out of the bullpen. Whatever it is. Once you see his name on the roster, I think that says something to that clubhouse because of what he means inside of there, so I'll take my chances with him.”