The Texas Rangers face a defining series vs. Seattle with injuries looming and arms returning at just the right time.
The Texas Rangers are preparing for what may be their most important series of the first half of the MLB season as they return home to face the Seattle Mariners on Friday.
If they take two out of three games, the conversation can shift toward re-entering the playoff hunt. But if they drop two of three—or get swept—it might be time to start considering trade deadline sell options.
With such a pivotal series ahead, it’s only natural to wonder how close to full strength the Rangers will be. Fortunately, there are several injury updates to share — including a particularly encouraging one ahead of Friday’s opener.
Wyatt Langford could be headed to the IL before the Texas Rangers’ next game
The downside is that outfielder Wyatt Langford sat out for the second consecutive game due to “left side tightness.” The Rangers plan to run tests once they return home today. While a trip to the injured list is possible, he’s currently listed as day-to-day. At the very least, it’s unlikely he’ll be in the lineup for Friday’s matchup.
Cody Bradford is done for the year
There had been some optimism that reliever Cody Bradford might make it back this season. However, the team announced earlier this week that he underwent elbow surgery on Wednesday. As a result, he’s officially out for the rest of the year and is likely to miss part of the 2026 season as well.
Nathan Eovaldi about to make a triumphant return on Friday
Nathan Eovaldi has been sidelined longer than the Texas Rangers initially anticipated, but concerns about the severity of his injury were eased this week when Bruce Bochy confirmed that the Cy Young contender will start the series opener against the Mariners. It’s a major boost for both Eovaldi and the Rangers, who are looking to set the tone with a crucial win to kick off the weekend.
Jake Burger out for the rest of July
Losing Jake Burger for any stretch of time is far from ideal. The first baseman was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain after exiting in the eighth inning of the June 20 win over the Pirates. Fortunately, the Rangers don’t anticipate he’ll miss much more than the minimum 10 days, which means a return in early July is likely.
Jon Gray working his way back with a bullpen sessions
More reinforcements could be coming to the Rangers’ pitching staff with Jon Gray potentially nearing a return. Gray, who has been out all season due to a wrist fracture suffered during Spring Training, threw a bullpen session yesterday. If he wakes up today without any setbacks, he’s expected to throw one or two more sessions before the team considers sending him out on a rehab assignment.
Josh Sborz has more bullpen sessions ahead
Similar to Gray, Josh Sborz has been sidelined since spring following shoulder debridement surgery. He completed a bullpen session last week and is expected to throw a few more before beginning a rehab assignment.
Tyler Mahle is still a mystery for the Rangers
The specifics of Mahle’s condition remain unclear. He’s currently on the injured list with what’s being described as “shoulder fatigue.” Although he was placed on the IL retroactive to June 12—making him technically eligible to return in time for the series against the Mariners—he won’t be ready by then. At this point, there’s no set timeline for his return.
Joc Pederson could find out next steps soon
Joc Pederson has been sidelined for over a month with a hand fracture sustained after being hit by a pitch. The most recent update, given on June 13, indicated he would need to wait two more weeks before undergoing a follow-up scan. That scan could happen any day now, and once it does, the Texas Rangers should have a clearer timeline for his return.
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