Texas Rangers right-hander Jon Gray is finished for the season after being placed on the injured list Tuesday due to a troubling right foot problem.
“It’s at a point where we’ve got to take care of this,” said manager Bruce Bochy.
Bochy also mentioned that right-hander Tyler Mahle is not expected to pitch again this season after making three starts in his return from Tommy John surgery.
This is the third time this season that Gray (5-6, 4.47 ERA) has been placed on the IL. The previous absences were due to a right groin strain that kept him out of a total of 33 games.
The foot issue, revealed as a neuroma causing sharp pain in the ball of the foot, had not been mentioned before. Surgery might be considered.
Gray has started 19 of his 23 games this season, his third year into a $56 million, four-year contract with the Rangers. This deal was signed alongside shortstop Corey Seager’s $325 million, 10-year contract and second baseman Marcus Semien’s $175 million, seven-year agreement.
Mahle, who went 0-1 with a 4.97 ERA in three starts for Texas between August 6-18 after six rehab starts, has been placed on the 15-day IL due to right shoulder tightness.
“We’re essentially shutting him down,” Bochy said. “He’ll continue to play catch and throw, but it’s unlikely he’ll make another start. I’m not completely ruling it out, but there’s no need to rush him back and take that risk.”
Mahle signed a $22 million, two-year contract last offseason, with the Rangers aware he would have limited pitching time this season. He had only made five starts for Minnesota last year due to an elbow injury.
