The Rangers are set to play a series against the Red Sox in Boston starting Monday, but Nathan Eovaldi and Max Scherzer are traveling to Texas for injury evaluations, according to GM Chris Young. Eovaldi left his start on Saturday after three innings due to left side tightness. The appointment with team doctor Keith Meister is considered precautionary since Eovaldi believes he can pitch through the issue.
Young explained, “He’s so crucial to us that we might need to delay or skip his next start. We don’t think he’ll need the injured list at this moment, but we’ll make a final decision after he sees Dr. Meister.”
Scherzer, who was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 31 due to right shoulder fatigue, has not shown the expected improvement. Young hopes additional diagnostic measures might help and get Scherzer back on the mound, though he couldn’t provide a specific timetable.
Scherzer has only pitched 39 1/3 innings over eight starts this season due to this IL stint and an earlier extended absence for back surgery and a thumb nerve issue.
Further details about both pitchers’ conditions will emerge after their tests, but there is significant concern given their injury histories. Scherzer’s situation is particularly alarming due to the considerable time missed and the possibility that his unusual ramp-up this year may have affected his readiness.
If either pitcher has more serious issues, it could threaten the rest of their seasons, and the Rangers might consider shutting them down if their playoff prospects continue to decline.
