Nathan Eovaldi Perfect in Rangers Spring Debut

Nathan Eovaldi is one of three free-agent starting pitchers the Texas Rangers signed in the offseason.

New Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi couldn’t have pitched much better in his Spring Training debut against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

Even though the Rangers lost the game, 10-5, he tossed two perfect innings before he headed for the showers.

“I felt good out there,” Eovaldi said. “I was able to use all my pitches. I had a good feel for my curveball and my splitter. I thought I got away with one of the sliders, but that’s one of my last pitches that usually comes (around).”

Eovaldi started the game by striking out Matt Beaty. After getting Hunter Dozier to pop out to Rangers shortstop Josh Smith, he fanned MJ Melendez swinging to end the first.

In the second, Matt Duffy struck out swinging. Nicky Lopez grounded back to Eovaldi, who tossed the ball to Rangers first baseman Brad Miller for the second out. Eovaldi struck out Dairon Blanco on a foul tip for the third out.

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

Eovaldi is one of free-agent pitchers the Rangers acquired this offseason. He signed a two-year deal, with a third-year vesting option, dependent upon performance.

Eovaldi has played 11 Major League seasons, most recently with the Boston Red Sox. He helped Boston win the 2018 World Series and earned his only All-Star berth in 2021. Eovaldi made 20 starts and went 6-3 with a 3.87 ERA last year.

After Eovaldi left the game, it got out of hand for Texas.

Kansas City scored seven runs in the top of the fourth, five charged to a member of last year’s rotation, Dane Dunning, who took over for Eovaldi.

Dunning ultimately allowed three hits, five runs, two walks and struck out two in 1 1/3 innings before he was relieved by Antoine Kelly.

Jonathan Hernández gave up two hits, a run and a home run in one inning. Spencer Howard threw two innings, giving up a hit and run, along with a home run, while striking out one. Kyle Cody threw an inning of scoreless relief with a strikeouts. Joe Barlow gave up two hits and a run while striking out two in one inning.

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard

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