A lot of exciting news is coming out of Surprise, Arizona, this week. Over the past few days, we have heard various injury updates from General Manager Chris Young and Manager Bruce Bochy and responses to questions about the club’s Opening Day roster. Two other highlights of the week were Cameron (who now wants to be called Cam), Cauley being named the 2nd baseman of the MLB Spring Breakout All-Team roster, and, as expected, Nathan Eovaldi was named the starting pitcher for Opening Day. It was also revealed that Eovaldi knew he would be given the ball since Bochy told him in December.
Injury Updates
Max Scherzer
Manager Bruce Bochy gave an update on Max Scherzer this week, stating that he is doing remarkably well. Following the clearance by the team surgeon, he is progressing through his typical ramp-up to the season. However, Bochy did state that they are holding him back a bit and sticking with the original plan for his return in June. General Manager Chris Young also gave a similar update in his interview this week, stating a possibility of the ace’s return in late May to early June.
Tyler Mahle
Bochy stated that Tyler Mahle is progressing through his recovery program and is looking great. He is expected to return right around the All-Star Break.
Jacob deGrom
According to Rangers management, Jacob deGrom is still progressing through his rehab program. He is expected to return in early August, just in time for the postseason run.
Nathaniel Lowe
Nathaniel Lowe’s update was also encouraging. Bochy says he is healing well and is expected back in mid-April. Ironically, his younger brother Josh Lowe has also been sidelined with an oblique strain and will also miss Opening Day.
Corey Seager
Corey Seager’s injury update is perhaps the most exciting for Rangers fans. Per Manager Bruce Bochy, Seager is healing remarkably well. He took live batting practice for the first time on March 18th and looked to be in prime form. Bochy and the rest of the management staff are optimistic about Seager appearing on the Opening Day roster.
Josh Jung
Josh Jung is ready to play ball. He has been taking live batting practice and fielding balls for several weeks. He appeared in his first Spring Training B squad game on March 18th, going 2 for 4 with a pair of singles. Barring any setbacks, he is expected to appear on the roster before Spring Training games conclude.
Roster Moves
On March 19th, Davis Wendzel was reassigned back to the minor league camp. After this move, 51 players remain in the major league camp. There are 32 players on the 40-man roster, and 19 non-roster invitees remain. Of those 19 non-roster invitees, thirteen are pitchers. Four non-roster catchers originally arrived in Surprise; only Andrew Knapp remains. In the infield, only Blaine Crim, Matt Duffy, and Jared Walsh are still vying for a spot on the Major League club’s 40-man roster. The race for the final spot in the outfield is now down to two: Derek Hill and Wyatt Langford.
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