Eovaldi Takes Positive Step in Second Texas Rangers Start

Texas Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi made his second MLB Spring Training start against Kansas City Royals minor leaguers on Monday.

Texas Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi hadn’t seen live hitters since Feb. 25 against the Kansas City Royals until Monday. He took the mound against Northwest Arkansas (Royals Double-A affiliate).

It was a joyous day for Rangers fans as those in Surprise watched both Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom throw simultaneously on the packed backfields. For Eovaldi, Monday was a step in the right direction.

"It’s nice being back out there. I threw all my pitches [and] mixed everything in there," Eovaldi said. "There were a couple of times I had guys 0-2 [and] 1-2 and just didn’t quite finish the pitches where I wanted to. I feel like I had a good pitch mix. I felt good, healthy. That’s the important thing.”

Also first action vs hitters this Spring for Nathan Eovaldi.#Rangers pic.twitter.com/mMk8uEFq1n

— Alex Plinck🏳️‍🌈 (@aplinckTX) March 13, 2023

Eovaldi talked about how different it was facing minor league hitters instead of Major Leaguers because of their approach. Minor league hitters are typically more aggressive at the plate. Therefore, pitch mixing can be challenging at times.

However, Eovaldi told Inside The Rangers that he feels like he is right where he wants to be at this point in spring training, especially considering the setback.

"It was my side [and not] my arm or anything like that," he said. "In my mind, my arm is great. It feels good.

"I was able to keep throwing during the whole time. We had taken three days off, and I’m used to taking days off from throwing. I’m able to locate my pitches. There were a few I would like to be lower in the zone. We were able to work quickly out there."

Line for Rangers Nathan Eovaldi today:

2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 Ks, 29 pitches (22 strikes)

— Alex Plinck🏳️‍🌈 (@aplinckTX) March 13, 2023

Eovaldi said the side was fine and didn’t impact his pitches. So despite his concern about pitch location at times, it wasn’t because of injury.

"It’s game speed," he said. "Getting out there, I’m still trying to be cautious of the pitch clock, making sure I’m being quick enough at the plate, mixing up my holds when I have runners on base.

"At this point in Spring Training, I’d have three or four games under my belt, but it’s my second. I feel comfortable with the pitch clock and I’m working quick enough. But the challenge is having the five pitches and what side of the plate you’re throwing on as well.”

There’s no timetable of when Eovaldi will have his next throwing session or whether it will be in a Major League spring game, minor league game or bullpen session.

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You can find Alex Plinck on Twitter @aplinckTX.

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