Langford Injured, Eovaldi Back for Texas Rangers

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    ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers have faced a setback in their outfield lineup as center fielder Wyatt Langford has landed on the 10-day injured list with an oblique strain for the second time this season.

    The announcement was made on Friday by Chris Young, the Rangers’ president of baseball operations, who described Langford’s injury as a “very low grade” strain. Langford, now in his second year, hasn’t taken the field since their game in Baltimore on Tuesday.

    Young emphasized the precautionary nature of the decision, saying, “Feel like it’s just the right thing to do. With two off days, it shortens the amount of games missed. Just getting this right on the front end.”

    In other roster adjustments before their home series against the Seattle Mariners, the Rangers reactivated right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi from the 15-day injured list. Eovaldi started the game on Friday night, exactly a month after being on the IL due to elbow inflammation.

    During Friday’s game, Eovaldi allowed three runs over three innings with five hits, two strikeouts, and two walks. He intentionally walked MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh to load the bases before Seattle capitalized with two runs in the third inning, taking a 3-1 lead.

    Additionally, right-handed reliever Dane Dunning was assigned to Triple-A Round Rock, while versatile player Michael Helman, who was recently claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh, was called up to fill Langford’s spot.

    Young mentioned that Langford’s condition was “just on the cusp” of needing an IL placement. The decision was made easier by backdating his IL term to Wednesday. With consecutive off days for the Rangers, Langford is projected to miss only eight games, potentially rejoining the roster on July 5 at San Diego.

    Previously, Langford missed nine games in mid-April when he suffered a right oblique strain. This recent issue affects the left side. He currently holds a batting average of .232, leading the team with 13 home runs and accumulating 31 RBIs.

    In other news concerning the team’s pitchers, left-hander Cody Bradford returned to the clubhouse following season-ending elbow surgery conducted two days prior.

    Bradford’s procedure was carried out successfully by team physician Dr. Keith Meister. An internal brace was used, which is anticipated to result in a recovery period of 10-12 months, shorter than Tommy John surgery demands.

    Initially expected to be part of this season’s starting rotation, Bradford faced elbow soreness in mid-March that halted his progression during spring training. Although his recovery looked promising, a recent throwing session post-flu bug resulted in further elbow discomfort.

    Bradford, who is 27, had a record of 10-6 with a 4.28 ERA across 34 games with 21 starts over the past two seasons. As a rookie, he contributed significantly during the 2023 playoffs, sporting a 1-0 record and a 1.17 ERA over five relief appearances, aiding the Rangers in clinching their first World Series title. Bradford maintained a scoreless inning in both of his World Series outings.

    Young expressed optimism about the surgical outcome, stating, “The brace procedure, optimistically, would mean a shorter timeline to returning to competition. All things considered, everything went smoothly. It was the best of the outcomes we could have anticipated.”