DENVER -- Rangers starter MacKenzie Gore was removed in the second inning of the Rangers’ series-opening matchup against the Rockies on Monday due to left lat tightness. It is a precautionary move, though he will continue to be evaluated in the coming days.
Gore allowed two runs on three hits and two walks in the first inning. He threw just 28 pitches, though his four-seam velocity was down 1.1 mph and his sinker velocity was down 1.4 mph from their respective season averages.
Gore was coming off his best start of the season, when he dealt eight innings of one-run ball in a May 12 win over the Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field.
The Rangers acquired Gore from the Nationals this offseason in return for a package of five prospects, though he’s struggled to a 4.78 ERA.