Nathan Eovaldi Faces Potential Surgery with New Sports Hernia Blow
The Texas Rangers are grappling with yet another injury concern as they prepare for the offseason, this time involving their ace pitcher, Nathan Eovaldi. Recently, the team revealed that Eovaldi is set to travel to Arizona for a consultation regarding a sports hernia, a condition that may require surgery.
Injury Update on Eovaldi
Eovaldi’s situation comes on the heels of a challenging season, during which he missed the final month due to a rotator cuff strain in his right arm. General manager Ross Fenstermaker announced the latest development during the Rangers’ end-of-season press conference, making it clear that while Eovaldi’s rotator cuff is nearly healed, the new injury poses a significant concern.
The timeline of when Eovaldi sustained the hernia remains unclear. However, the implications of this injury could ripple into spring training preparations. If surgery is deemed necessary, it will be crucial for Eovaldi to undergo the procedure swiftly to mitigate any delay in his readiness for the upcoming season.
Comparative Recovery: Eovaldi and Seager
The situation bears similarity to that of shortstop Corey Seager, who underwent two sports hernia surgeries in early 2024. While Seager’s first surgery affected his ramp-up to spring training, he ultimately avoided starting the season on the injured list, albeit with a gradual return to his full playing capacity.
Eovaldi’s case could differ, as he might have the opportunity to address the injury sooner than Seager, potentially resulting in a less disruptive recovery process.
Eovaldi’s Stellar Performance Amidst Injuries
Despite the setbacks, Eovaldi had an impressive season before his injuries took a toll. He finished with an 11-3 record, a remarkable 1.73 ERA across 22 games, and pitched a total of 130 innings. His performance, which included 129 strikeouts and a striking 0.854 WHIP, showcased his abilities as one of the premier pitchers in baseball—even though he fell short of regular-season leaderboards due to insufficient innings.
Under contract through 2027, Eovaldi’s health will be pivotal not just for his own career, but also for the Rangers’ aspirations moving forward.
Positive News for Other Rangers Players
While the spotlight is on Eovaldi, Fenstermaker also provided updates on other Rangers players who concluded the season on the injured list. Seager, following an emergency appendectomy, is expected to have a normal offseason. The same goes for second baseman Marcus Semien, who dealt with a foot fracture, and outfielder Wyatt Langford, who faced an oblique injury.
Additionally, first baseman Jake Burger’s wrist surgery was reported as successful, with a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks anticipated before he can resume normal hitting activities. Outfielder Evan Carter is nearing full recovery from a left wrist fracture, while left-handed pitcher Cody Bradford, who underwent elbow surgery earlier this season, is expected to be ready for spring training. Right-hander Cole Winn is also on track for a regular offseason after being sidelined late in the season due to a shoulder injury.
As the Rangers navigate this injury landscape, the coming weeks will be crucial for assessing Eovaldi’s condition and planning for the future.
