Injury bug bites another Texas Ranger

The injury bug appears to have bitten Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nick Martinez now.  It is reported that Martinez tweaked a muscle while taking batting practice on Tuesday.

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Martinez “tweaked” a muscle in his upper back that has left him questionable for his start that is scheduled for Tuesday against the Houston Astros. (Dallas News Evan Grant)

The Texas Rangers have already used the disabled list 20 times this season which has equated to 996 games missed.  The Rangers haven’t placed Nick Martinez on the disabled list yet, but if he’s heading to see Dr. Keith Meister it seem highly likely he’ll at least be on the 15-day disabled list.

Martinez has had some struggles this season, but overall he’s a very good pitcher.  He’s one of the young prospects the Rangers hope will develop in to a top notch pitcher in their rotation some day.  Due to the rash of injuries this season they were forced to bring him up early.

The Rangers have several options to fill the hole if Nick Martinez is placed on the disabled list.  They could inject Scott Baker in the rotation or called up Ryan Feierabend.

At some point one of these injuries will be the tipping point to the season, if it has already happened.  In my opinion it has already happened.  If Martinez does have just the slightest issue with arm and is able to just play through it he should still be sent to the disabled list to rest.  At this point it seems like the Texas Rangers should just plan for next season.

Nick Martinez has a record of 1-6 with a 5.10 ERA and 1.69 WHIP over 16 games/67.0 innings.