Tyler Mahle to Face Hitters for First Time Since Elbow Surgery; Kumar Rocker May Follow**
The Texas Rangers are anticipating significant progress in their pitchers’ recovery process this week. Tyler Mahle is set to face hitters for the first time since his elbow surgery last May, and Kumar Rocker, who underwent the same procedure on the same day, is likely to do the same soon.
On May 18, Mahle and Rocker each threw three-inning intense bullpens on the game mound at Globe Life Field to gather biomechanical data as they prepared to ramp up their throwing routines. The next crucial step is facing hitters in live batting practice, which is the final stage before pitchers can rejoin games. Mahle plans to throw at least four live batting practice sessions before starting a rehab assignment.
“There is still a long way to go,” Mahle said on Saturday. “I know there is a finish line [in sight], but there was always a finish line. There is no point in looking too far ahead and not just taking each day as it comes.”
The recovery steps extend beyond Mahle and Rocker. Max Scherzer, who threw another bullpen session on Saturday, might face hitters this week. Additionally, Jon Gray, currently on the injured list with groin tightness since May 22, threw a bullpen session on Friday and could face hitters in Arlington early in the week. He is potentially set to return to the Rangers’ rotation by Friday when the team faces the San Francisco Giants.
The Rangers currently have nine pitchers on the injured list, highlighting the importance of these recovery milestones for the team.
