After Injury Scare, Jon Gray To Start Texas Rangers Series Opener Against Athletics
Jon Gray is scheduled to start for the Texas Rangers in the series opener with the Oakland Athletics on Friday night at Globe Life Field.
That’s almost a minor miracle.
In Gray’s last start on Saturday, the first hit he allowed was a 109.3-mph shot from the Houston Astros’ Yainer Diaz. The ball ricocheted off Gray’s throwing arm and he was in immediate discomfort.
Manager Bruce Bochy said postgame that the X-rays on Gray were negative.
Gray said he was shocked.
“I thought my arm was broken,” he said. “Because it sounded so bad and I didn't really see the ball much, it sounded like it was all bone. I just kind of just expected it to be broken, but it didn't turn out to be that bad, so I’m lucky.”
Through Gray’s first three starts, he has gone 1-1 with a 3.21 ERA.
Gray noted that ball hit him right below the elbow and he then dealt with some numbness.
Since Gray is scheduled to start, he must be feeling 100 percent or close to it.
Good thing, too, since Jake Odorizzi and Glenn Otto are already on the injured list.
“I think we got a huge break,” Bochy said. “I don’t like to use that word, but the ball was hit 109 miles an hour and he took it flush. I was nervous, to be honest. I was surprised that he threw two or three pitches after. He said he didn't really feel any pain, but there's some numbness. It was too risky, and he had (to) come out.”
Cole Ragans did a great job out of the bullpen after Gray was forced to exit the game. Texas relievers have been lights out all season and currently own a 2.71 ERA.
Ultimately, the Rangers will need longer outings from their starters. If Gray is healthy and he pitches like he has in earlier starts, the Rangers will reap the rewards.
On the flip side, expect the Rangers to be cautious if they notice anything slightly off.
Just the fact that he’s scheduled to start is great news.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. as the Rangers are debuting their Nike City Connect uniforms. Oakland (3-16) is set to start JP Sears (0-1, 4.60).
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