Nathan Eovaldi Throws First Bullpen Since Elbow Injury

ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi threw 25 pitches Thursday in his first bullpen session since going on the injured list and did so without restriction, according to Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports. The session went well, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reported.

What comes next depends on how the elbow feels Friday. Another bullpen and a live batting practice are both on the table, per Wilson.

Texas placed Eovaldi on the 15-day injured list Aug. 10, retroactive to Aug. 9, with right posterior elbow inflammation. The elbow began bothering him while he was playing catch Aug. 9, and imaging that day showed the inflammation.

Before Monday’s series opener against the Athletics at Globe Life Field, Eovaldi threw 50 pitches on flat ground and used his entire arsenal. He had not thrown off a mound to that point.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker called that session “encouraging for sure” and said the next week or so would determine what the recovery actually looks like.

Eovaldi last pitched Aug. 7 against the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field. He allowed 4 hits and 1 earned run over 5 1/3 innings with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts in a 2-1 Texas win.

Nathan Eovaldi Leads The Texas Rangers In Wins And Innings

Through 22 starts this season, Eovaldi is 10-9 with a 4.21 ERA over 132 2/3 innings, with 137 strikeouts and 32 walks. His 10 wins and 132 2/3 innings lead the club.

The 36-year-old is in the second season of the three-year, $75 million contract he signed with Texas in December 2024, which runs through 2027. Eovaldi has won at least 10 games in each of his four seasons with the Rangers. He is a two-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion, including with Texas in 2023.

Nathan Eovaldi Has Not Made A Rehab Appearance Since 2022

Eovaldi has not pitched in a minor league rehab game since 2022. He built back up in the major league rotation after a right forearm strain in 2023 and was activated Sept. 5 that year, and he did not go to the minors during either of his injured list stints in 2025.

In 2025, Eovaldi spent time on the injured list with right posterior elbow inflammation. Texas placed him on the 15-day IL on June 1 that season, retroactive to May 29. The Rangers have said the current injury is not the same one.

Texas Rangers Open Series Against Tampa Bay Rays

Third baseman Josh Jung ran for a third straight day Thursday and has been doing every other part of his baseball work. Jung has not played since July 21 because of a left calf strain.

At 69-71, Texas is second in the AL West behind the Houston Astros, who are 72-69. The Rangers beat the Athletics 8-5 on Tuesday and lost 9-2 on Wednesday.

First pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays is 7:05 p.m. CT Thursday at Globe Life Field. Rangers Sports Network carries the broadcast.