The Texas Rangers have received a promising update regarding veteran starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi as the team continues to navigate a crucial stretch of the 2026 MLB season.
Eovaldi has been sidelined since August after being placed on the 15-day injured list because of right posterior elbow inflammation. However, his recent throwing progression has provided the Rangers with renewed optimism that the veteran right-hander could eventually return to the mound before the season concludes.
The latest development came after Eovaldi continued his rehabilitation program with another bullpen session. According to the Rangers’ injury report, he threw approximately 40 pitches in two sets of 20 on September 5. The team plans to evaluate how his elbow responds before determining whether he is ready for the next stage of his throwing progression. If he recovers well, live batting practice could be his next test.
That represents another important step for Eovaldi, who has been working his way back after experiencing discomfort while playing catch in early August.
Eovaldi’s Injury Put Him on the Sidelines
The Rangers placed Eovaldi on the injured list on August 10, retroactive to August 9, after he experienced discomfort in his right elbow while playing catch.
Imaging revealed inflammation in the posterior portion of the elbow. The injury was particularly concerning because Eovaldi had already dealt with an elbow issue during the previous season, although Texas indicated that the current problem was not considered to be the same injury.
Before being sidelined, Eovaldi had been one of the most important members of the Rangers’ rotation. His absence therefore created a significant hole for a team attempting to remain competitive in the American League playoff race.
Eovaldi’s final start before the injury came on August 7 against the Baltimore Orioles. He pitched 5⅓ innings and allowed one earned run in what became a 2-1 Rangers victory.
However, his velocity had noticeably declined during that outing. His cutter averaged 88.8 mph compared with a season average of 90.3 mph, while his four-seam fastball averaged 92.9 mph instead of his 94.5 mph season average. Those numbers added another reason for the Rangers to take his elbow issue seriously.
A Key Piece of the Rangers’ Rotation
Eovaldi’s importance to Texas cannot be overstated.
Before landing on the injured list, the 36-year-old had made 22 starts and posted a 10-9 record with a 4.21 ERA. He had also recorded 137 strikeouts and 32 walks across 132⅔ innings.
His workload made him the Rangers’ leader in both victories and innings pitched at the time he was sidelined.
Those numbers demonstrate why Texas has been carefully managing his rehabilitation rather than rushing him back into game action.
For a veteran pitcher dealing with an elbow problem, especially one who has previously experienced an elbow-related setback, the club has every reason to make sure he can handle each stage of the throwing program before allowing him to return to competitive pitching.
The encouraging part is that Eovaldi has now progressed to throwing from the mound again.
Bullpen Sessions Provide Encouragement
Eovaldi’s first significant mound workout came earlier in the month when he threw a 25-pitch bullpen session without restrictions.
That session represented a major milestone because it showed that he was able to throw from the mound without an immediate setback. The Rangers planned to monitor his recovery before deciding between another bullpen workout and a live batting-practice session.
He has now taken another step forward by increasing his workload to roughly 40 pitches.
The next phase will be particularly important because live batting practice will give the Rangers an opportunity to evaluate how Eovaldi’s arm responds to a more game-like environment. It should also provide information about his command, velocity and overall comfort level while facing hitters.
Still, there is no official return date.
The Rangers’ latest injury report lists Eovaldi’s expected return as “TBD,” meaning the organization is continuing to evaluate him on a day-to-day basis.
Texas Needs Its Veteran Starter
The timing of Eovaldi’s recovery is significant for Texas.
The Rangers are entering the final portion of the regular season, where every game carries increased importance in the postseason race. Having an experienced starting pitcher such as Eovaldi available could provide the club with a major boost as it attempts to strengthen its rotation for the stretch run.
Eovaldi has also established himself as a dependable member of the Rangers’ rotation since joining the organization.
According to the team’s official announcement when he was placed on the injured list, Texas had gone 60-38 in his first 98 regular-season starts with the club. During that span, Eovaldi had a 45-25 record and a 3.38 ERA.
That track record explains why his potential return is attracting so much attention.
The Rangers Must Remain Patient
Although Eovaldi’s progress is encouraging, the Rangers cannot afford to take unnecessary risks.
Elbow injuries can become complicated, particularly for pitchers, and returning too quickly could potentially create an even bigger problem. Texas therefore has to balance its desire to get Eovaldi back into the rotation with the need to protect him for the remainder of the season.
The upcoming live batting-practice session, assuming he responds well to his latest bullpen workout, could become another important checkpoint.
If he handles that test without complications, the Rangers could then determine whether he needs additional throwing work, a minor-league rehabilitation appearance or another step before returning to the major-league rotation.
For now, however, the most important development is that Eovaldi continues to throw and increase his workload.
A Potential Boost for the Stretch Run
The Rangers would undoubtedly welcome Eovaldi back, particularly with the postseason race entering its decisive phase.
His experience, ability to work deep into games and history of success with Texas make him a valuable option for the starting rotation. The club’s immediate priority, though, remains ensuring that his elbow is ready for the demands of major-league competition.
Eovaldi’s rehabilitation has already progressed from simply waiting for the inflammation to settle to throwing increasingly demanding bullpen sessions. That is an encouraging sign.
There is still no confirmed timetable for his return, but the latest developments suggest that he is moving closer.
If he continues to respond positively to each stage of his rehabilitation, the Rangers could soon have one of their most experienced starters back as they make their push toward the postseason.
For now, Texas will continue to monitor Eovaldi closely. His next throwing session and potential live batting-practice appearance could provide a clearer indication of just how close he is to making his return.
One thing is becoming increasingly clear: after weeks away from the mound, Nathan Eovaldi is finally making meaningful progress toward getting back into the Rangers’ rotation.
