Rangers lose pitcher to IL before Tigers game

The Texas Rangers placed right-hander Jakob Junis on the 15-day injured list with a right hip impingement before Saturday’s game against the Detroit Tigers, dealing another setback to an already-thin bullpen. The move came after the team completed a stretch of 15 games in 15 days and gives veteran reliever Chris Martin a return to the active roster following his rehabilitation assignment.

Junis has been one of Texas’ most dependable relievers this season, compiling a 1-1 record with a 2.80 ERA across 31 appearances. He has also recorded 11 holds and converted five of six save opportunities, serving as a crucial late-inning option alongside closer Jacob Latz. He is expected to miss only the minimum required time on the injured list.

Meanwhile, Martin returns after spending the past month recovering from a right shoulder impingement. Before the injury, the veteran right-hander went 1-1 with a 7.84 ERA across 12 games and surrendered a .391 batting average to opposing hitters. However, after completing a rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco, the Rangers were encouraged by the quality of his pitches and expect him to step back into a high-leverage role.

Texas also received difficult news regarding left-handed reliever Jalen Beeks. President of baseball operations Chris Young said Beeks has a flexor tendon injury in his left arm and will undergo season-ending surgery. The specific procedure has not yet been determined.

Beeks had been a reliable bullpen piece after signing with Texas in March, going 2-1 with a 3.81 ERA in 29 appearances. He had been on the injured list since June 11 with lower back spasms and was nearing a return before reporting elbow soreness, which ultimately led to the diagnosis ending his season.