Who Loses Spot in Texas Rangers Rotation Once Nathan Eovaldi Returns?

The Rangers have options on the table for whenever Nathan Eovaldi returns.

Bruce Bochy was asked Monday if Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi would need to head to the minors for a rehabilitation start. 

He could, but the first-year manager isn't ruling out anything as Texas hopes to turn things around. The Rangers (72-53) have lost a season-high five in a row, and their lead over Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners is 1.5 and 2.0 games, respectively, in the American League West.

“I think sure he could [return without a rehab], but you have to look at the body of work you are looking for and what your needs are and what is best for Nate," Bochy said Monday following a simulated throwing session from Eovaldi in Phoenix. "Today went well. He said he felt great. He looked great. It’s good to see him progressing.”

Eovaldi, who seamlessly has transitioned from quality free-agent find to ace of the lineup, tossed 36 pitches in two innings prior to Texas' 4-3 loss in extra innings to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He hasn't pitched in a live game since July 18 after suffering forearm tightness following the MLB All-Star game, but he seems to be trending upward after facing another round of batters.

Texas would love to have time to iron out the details on Eovaldi before sending him back to the mound, but the club is in peril of losing its lead in the AL West. Both the Astros and Mariners won Monday to narrow the gap. 

Eovaldi's return might be the push Texas is looking for to keep ground en route to winning its first division title since 2016. Now comes another question for Bochy; who moves to the bullpen if the Rangers elect to keep five arms in the rotation? 

The pitching order could change depending on Eovaldi's arrival, but three names are set to remain at the top of the rotation. Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer isn't moving. Neither is left-hander Jordan Montgomery. 

Since being traded from St. Louis, Montgomery has surged. Despite pulling a no-decision Monday, he picked up his fourth quality start since joining the team after amassing six strikeouts over eight frames with four hits and one walk.

Montgomery's 1.73 ERA in four starts for the Rangers currently tops all pitchers for the month of August. He's allowed five runs in 26 innings pitched while striking out 26 batters, setting a MLB first in the process. 

Jon Gray, Tuesday's projected starter at Arizona, has appeared to secure in either the No. 3 or No. 4 spot in the rotation, especially after picking back-to-back quality starts this month with a 2.79 ERA. 

Should Texas continue its five-man rotation, left-hander Andrew Heaney and right-hander Dane Dunning are the likely candidates for demotion. Dunning's done double duty this season, notching 19 starts under his belt in 27 appearances. Heaney, however, has seen a slight regression since the All-Star break. 

Dunning, who had a 3.62 ERA entering July, is coming off his best month, where he posted a 2.19 ERA along with 33 strikeouts in 25.2 innings pitched. He's also finished with four quality starts, going at least five innings in his previous four matchups. 

Heaney, 32, has only allowed four runs in his previous four starts, but his longevity has brought a cause for concern. He's gone less than five innings on six occasions this season, including his last two outings.

Texas could turn Heaney's start into a bullpen day if the longevity struggles continue. It also could move Eovaldi down the order, thus allowing him and Heaney to combine early while working their way back to full strength. 

The Rangers already made one demotion this season, with Martín Pérez getting bumped to the bullpen with the arrival of Montgomery. 

Bochy said everything is on the table for Eovaldi's return. That likely includes a shift in the rotation to save arms entering September. 

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