**Rangers’ Tyler Mahle Receives Key Injury Update**
Texas Rangers starter Tyler Mahle, who has been sidelined all season due to injury, is on the verge of making his return.
The Rangers have faced challenges with consistent performance this year, but the defending World Series champions might see significant changes in the latter half of the season. Positive news emerged today with ace Jacob deGrom approaching his comeback. Now, it looks like another key starter could soon be back in action.
According to Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News on X, Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy is optimistic that Tyler Mahle could start against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, marking his first appearance for the Rangers.
Mahle’s 2023 season was cut short when he underwent Tommy John surgery in May. He later signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Rangers but has yet to pitch for them as he recovers from his surgery.
The 29-year-old, who spent most of his career with the Cincinnati Reds before being traded to the Minnesota Twins in 2022, last had a full season in 2021. He went 13-6 with a 3.75 ERA, a 125 ERA+, and 210 strikeouts in 180 innings.
During his rehab assignment with the Rangers’ Triple-A team, Mahle has shown promise. His most recent outing was 4⅔ innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits and a walk, with four strikeouts. In six minor league rehab appearances, he has posted a 2.50 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 18 innings.
The Rangers had hoped to pair Mahle and deGrom with Nathan Eovaldi and Max Scherzer to create a formidable rotation for a strong second-half push. However, Scherzer has been placed on the 15-day injured list, marking his second IL stint of the season. The veteran has only made eight starts and pitched 39.1 innings for Texas this year.
Currently 5.5 games behind the Astros and the Seattle Mariners in the AL West, the Rangers need a fully healthy rotation to challenge for the division title. The return of Mahle on August 6 could signal a turning point for the team. His season debut will come against the AL West rival Astros, adding to the significance of his return.
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