The Texas Rangers received several key injury updates from manager Bruce Bochy as they fight to remain in the AL Wild Card race, with some of their injured players showing progress toward returning.
Currently, four Rangers are on the injured list—three pitchers and one hitter. Speaking to the media, Bochy shared updates on all four, according to Shawn McFarland of the Dallas News.
Veteran right-hander Jon Gray looks to be the closest to returning. He is scheduled for his next rehab start on Sunday and could strengthen the back end of the rotation. Gray has yet to pitch in 2025 after suffering a right wrist fracture during spring training. In his initial rehab outing, he threw two innings, recorded one strikeout, and allowed a solo homer as his only hit. Over the past three years with Texas, Gray has maintained a 4.16 ERA, a 1.244 WHIP, and 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings.
Next is the highly anticipated comeback of Tyler Mahle, who is expected to begin throwing again within a week. Mahle has been sidelined since mid-June due to a shoulder injury—a significant blow to the rotation given his strong performance this season. Across 14 starts, Mahle posted a 2.34 ERA, 1.130 WHIP, and 6.5 K/9. While not overpowering, he consistently locates his pitches and limits hard contact.
Reliever Josh Sborz, who also hasn’t yet appeared this season, remains further from returning. Bochy noted that the team is still planning his next steps. Sborz missed much of 2024 due to a rotator cuff strain requiring shoulder surgery. Before his injury, he was on pace for a strong year, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.224 WHIP, and 9.4 K/9 over 16.1 innings.
Finally, designated hitter Joc Pederson, who has struggled badly since joining the Rangers, is expected to begin batting practice in two to three weeks. Hopefully, the time off will help him reset. The 33-year-old has hit just .131/.269/.238 with two home runs in 46 games this season.
