Rangers Activate Eovaldi from IL for Crucial Mariners Clash in Arlington

ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy welcomed back a cornerstone of the rotation Friday, activating right-hander Nathan Eovaldi from the injured list ahead of a key American League West showdown with the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field. Eovaldi, 36, had been sidelined since June 1 with a triceps muscle injury but rejoins the active roster with impressive pre-injury numbers: 73 strikeouts over 69.1 innings and a 0.808 WHIP that anchored the Rangers' staff.[1] Eovaldi draws the Friday night start against Mariners ace Logan Gilbert, a matchup that could swing momentum in the tight divisional race. The Rangers, sitting at 5-2 after a 1-0 win over Cincinnati earlier in the week, turned to roster maneuvers to stay healthy, placing young righty Jack Leiter on the 15-day injured list retroactive to Wednesday for a right middle finger blister. Leiter exited after five strong innings in that game, prompting the recall of veteran left-hander Patrick Corbin from Triple-A Round Rock — a move allowed early due to the IL opening.[2] Injuries have tested Texas' depth this season, with recent moves including the placement of relievers Luis Curvelo (right biceps strain) and Chris Martin (right shoulder impingement) on the 15-day IL before Wednesday's game against the Oakland Athletics at Sutter Health Park. The club responded by selecting right-handers Cal Quantrill and Gavin Collyer from Round Rock, transferring lefty Cody Bradford to the 60-day IL after his June 2025 elbow surgery.[4] Outfielder Wyatt Langford remains sidelined with a Grade 1 right flexor strain since April 22, with a potential early May return, while catcher Jonah Heim and pitcher Jonathan Hernandez were activated earlier this week.[3][5]