Injured Texas Rangers Ace Nathan Eovaldi: 'I'm Ready to Go'

Texas Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi threw another bullpen on Thursday, as the club is trying to determine a return date.

Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi threw a bullpen session on Thursday in Minneapolis, making it clear after what his next step should be.

“I’m ready to go,” Eovaldi said, per The Dallas Morning News. “I just wanted to make sure I bounced back. But there were no issues whatsoever.”

That bullpen session came three days after he threw live batting practice Monday in Arizona. That session occurred with no lingering issues.

Since Eovaldi went on the injured list on July 30, he has thrown at least five bullpens and a BP session to be as stretched out as possible for a potential return to the rotation.

When that happens is up to manager Bruce Bochy and the team’s leadership. Bochy said there are scenarios for Eovaldi’s return, and that could include going straight into the rotation without a rehab assignment.

Bochy said he’ll talk with both pitching coach Mike Maddux and team trainer Matt Lucero about next steps, assuming Eovaldi reports no setbacks.

“We’re not ruling anything out,” Bochy said. “We’ve already put out some scenarios that he could go ahead and start — with short work — instead of letting him do a rehab. But we’ve got to do what’s right and I don’t think I can answer it (until Friday).”

The Rangers have lost seven straight games entering Friday’s game at Minnesota and have a one-game lead over the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners in the American League West. The Astros are in Detroit this weekend, with Seattle hosting the Kansas City Royals.

Eovaldi has made just one start since the All-Star break, throwing six shutout innings on July 18 in a win over Tampa Bay at Globe Life Field. Eovaldi is 11-3 with a 2.69 ERA for the season.

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