Texas Rangers injury update: Jon Gray almost back, Joc Pederson, more

Following a big win over the San Diego Padres, it sure feels like the Texas Rangers are hanging around and staying in the playoff race. To really do that, they will need to continue getting healthy. In that regard, there has been some good news, especially regarding its pitching staff.

That doesn't mean that everything is good news. There are some players the Rangers won't see back for a little while. However, as players continue to return to the team, others are just weeks, maybe even days, away from becoming significant reinforcements for Bruce Bochy's squad.

Tyler Mahle is healing quickly but will still miss a long period for the Texas Rangers

There may be no one on the Texas Rangers who would like the team to get back into the playoff race more than Tyler Mahle. That's because the pitcher who was having the best season of his career suffered a rotator cuff strain that will see him shut down past the trade deadline.

While Mahle said earlier this week that the strain is healing faster than he thought it would, he was still placed on the 60-day IL on July 2, which means it's going to be August at the earliest for his return.

Joc Pederson eyes July return if all goes well

Joc Pederson has been out since May after breaking a bone in his hand when he got hit by a pitch. Earlier this week, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Pederson will be back in "around three weeks." That could mean he'll be back before the trade deadline. While he struggled enough in the early season that he likely won't be an asset to deal, he could help the Rangers make a run from sellers to buyers in the final weeks before they have to finally decide.

Cody Bradford shut down for 2025

Just as it seemed like the Rangers reliever was set to return, he suffered a setback and had to have surgery on his injured arm. It wasn't Tommy John, which is the good news. The bad news is that there's no chance he'll come back this season.

Jon Gray is almost back for the Texas Rangers

Jon Gray has missed the entire season so far, but he could be coming back in time to essentially be a deadline reinforcement for the pitching staff. Earlier this week, the Rangers said that the pitcher has looked "really good" and that he'll start a rehab assignment any day now.

It seems likely he'll need a couple of outings, but like Pederson, it looks like he'll be back by the end of July.