Nathan Eovaldi's Fenway Return: A Texas ace revisits his Boston roots

Nathan Eovaldi will take the mound on the at Fenway Park on Tuesday, marking his return to a stadium where he solidified his reputation as a postseason hero.

Now leading the Texas Rangers' rotation, Eovaldi faces his former team, the Boston Red Sox, in a matchup that weaves past triumphs with present ambitions.

Eovaldi's Boston legacy

Eovaldi joined the Red Sox in July 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite. His most memorable performance came during Game 3 of the 2018 World Series, where he pitched six innings of relief in an 18-inning marathon, throwing 97 pitches—a record for a reliever in a World Series game. Although the Red Sox lost that game, Eovaldi's effort was acclaimed as heroic, and Boston went on to win the series in five games.

Over five seasons with Boston (2018–2022), Eovaldi compiled a 26–18 record with a 4.05 ERA and 468 strikeouts in 407 innings pitched. He was named an All-Star in 2021 and served as the Opening Day starter for three consecutive seasons from 2020 to 2022. His tenure with the Red Sox was marked by grit and clutch performances, particularly in the postseason.

Current form with the Rangers

Since signing with the Texas Rangers in December 2022, Eovaldi has continued to excel. In the 2025 season, he holds a 2–2 record with a 2.11 ERA, 46 strikeouts, and a league-leading 0.77 WHIP over 36.2 innings pitched. His performance has been instrumental with keeping the Rangers' competitive standing in the AL West.

Eovaldi's arsenal remains outstanding, featuring a high-velocity fastball complemented by a splitter, cutter, and curveball. His ability to mix pitches and maintain control has kept hitters off balance, largely contributing to his continued success on the mound.

Tuesday will be Eovaldi's second matchup against the Red Sox this season, starting Opening Day for the second straight year against Boston on March 28 in Arlington. The Red Sox won the game but Eovaldi walked away with a no decision on six innings of three run ball and nine strikeouts.

A homecoming of significance

In his career, Eovaldi has faced the Red Sox 11 times, recording a 3–1 record with a 5.03 ERA and 39 strikeouts. While these numbers suggest some challenges, his familiarity with Fenway Park and the Red Sox lineup may provide an advantage in this upcoming start.

The Red Sox, currently second in the AL East, have shown offensive prowess early in the season. Eovaldi's veteran experience and polished approach will be crucial in navigating the Sox’s run-scoring lineup and securing an important series opening win for the Rangers.

As the Ranger’s ace takes the mound Tuesday, Rangers fans tuning in, can look out for Eovaldi’s command of the strike zone early—when he's locating his fastball and getting ahead in counts, he’s nearly unhittable. Keep an eye on his splitter, a pitch that’s generated a 35% whiff rate this season, especially when used to neutralize left-handed hitters.

Eovaldi's return is more than just another start; it's a homecoming that celebrates his journey from a World Series champion in Boston to a leading clubhouse figure—and World Series Champion—in Texas. His time with the Red Sox left a lasting mark, and his continued excellence with the Rangers spotlights his enduring talent and stamina.

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