Updates on Injured Texas Rangers

A tough stretch of opposing pitching awaits the Texas Rangers. Will they get their sluggers back in time? Also, an update on a long-lost reliever.

The Texas Rangers are playing great ball despite being without a couple of key bats. Joey Gallo has been out since June 2nd with a left oblique strain and Willie Calhoun since May 22nd with a left quad strain. Texas would love to have those guys back ASAP, as they’re about to run into two legitimate pitching staffs for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians.

Cincinnati’s 3.60 team ERA ranks 4th in the majors and Cleveland’s 3.92 ranks 6th.

Can we expect either Gallo or Calhoun to return in time for those series?

According to Rangers’ insider Evan Grant, the answer is no for Gallo. This comes as no surprise as the slugger is dealing with a sensitive oblique injury. Initial thoughts were 1-2 months of absence. If Grant’s prediction turns out accurate, Gallo would make it back within the month. That would be splendid!

It was nerve-racking imagining how the Rangers would perform without him. After all, Gallo was among the league leaders in just about every offensive statistic prior to his injury. The club has managed well, however, going 7-4 since he hit the IL.

Willie Calhoun begins his rehab assignment with the Nashville Sounds tonight. Jumping in with the Triple-A team, he should be back with the Rangers in a matter of days. Perhaps he’ll meet the team in Cincinnati; if not, he should surely return when Texas opens up a 7-game homestand on Monday.

The timing of Calhoun’s injury could not have been worse. After a long run of drama, doubt and disappointment surrounding his play, the 24-year-old finally put the critics to rest when going 10-for-23 in his first six games with the Texas Rangers in 2019.

His impact was so great that he’ll without a doubt have a starting role waiting for him once he’s ready to return to big league action (watch out Rougned Odor).

The injury updates don’t stop there.

How about a status check on hard-throwing reliever Matt Bush? Been a while since you’ve heard that name, eh?

You may recall the Rangers signing Bush to a minor league contract in December. The right-hander underwent elbow surgery last September, keeping him sidelined through June 7th of 2019. That’s right, he’s back.

Bush was assigned to Double-A Frisco and he’s already made two appearances. He pitched one inning each time out, totaling one hit allowed, no runs and two strikeouts.

He’s definitely on the Rangers’ radar. They could use some shoring up in the bullpen given the relief crew’s 22nd ranked ERA. Keep an eye on him, as he may be back in a Texas Rangers uniform by the end of the month if all goes well.