Rangers Pitcher Nathan Eovaldi to Skip Spring Start

Nathan Eovaldi has left side tightness, similar to what bothered staff ace Jacob deGrom earlier in spring.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi will miss his next scheduled start due to left side tightness, general manager Chris Young told media in Surprise on Wednesday.

Young described it as similar to the left side tightness pitcher Jacob deGrom reported when he arrived at camp. The plan is for Eovaldi to rest for a few days.

Eovaldi threw two perfect innings of baseball in his first Spring Training start over the weekend and reported no physical issues after the start.

In all, Eovaldi struck out four, walked none and faced six hitters.

Young also said that reliever José Leclerc has reported left neck stiffness and is being monitored because he is slated to leave camp soon to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. It could impact his status.

Leclerc last pitched on Feb. 24 and threw a scoreless inning.

Another of the Rangers’ offseason pitching acquisitions, Jake Odorizzi, isn’t ready for game action after reporting to camp with arm fatigue, per Young. He is coming off a bullpen session on Tuesday and will continue to build up to start in a spring game soon.

Prospect Owen White is experiencing tightness in his right neck and will not pitch for the next couple of days.

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