Nathan Eovaldi hasn’t pitched for the Texas Rangers since July 13 due to back stiffness, but he’s finally ready to make his first start of the second half.
On Wednesday, the Rangers revealed that the former Boston Red Sox World Series hero will return to the mound on Friday and start Texas’ series opener against the Atlanta Braves.
The 35-year-old righty, who was snubbed from the All-Star Game this year, will look to pick up where he left off in the first half. He’s 7-3 with a 1.58 ERA, a 0.85 WHIP, 3.4 WAR and 94 strikeouts in 91 innings this year.
Eovaldi’s also been lights-out in July, yielding just one earned run and posting a 19:2 K/BB ratio in three starts this month.
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The two-time World Series champ has battled injuries throughout his 14-year career, including during his five seasons in Boston. While he was scratched from his most recent start on Sunday with back stiffness, the extra time off apparently helped and he was able to avoid the injured list.
Eovaldi’s strong season has helped the Rangers stay in the playoff mix this year, making him unlikely to be moved before the July 31 MLB Trade Deadline. They’re third in the American League West with a 53-50 record and have won eight of their last 10 games, moving to within 1.5 games of the third wild card spot.
He’ll try to help Texas stay hot on Friday night at Globe Life Field. The Braves will counter with Joey Wentz, who’s 2-1 with a 5.71 ERA this year after throwing four shutout innings against the New York Yankees on Saturday.
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Featured image via Neville E. Guard/Imagn Images
