Texas Rangers injury updates: Jon Gray nears return, Josh Sborz news, more

After yet another backbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Angels, there is a spot of good news for the Texas Rangers. Reinforcements are on the way.

The bad news is that the reinforcements are set to join the pitching staff, an area that isn't Bruce Bochy's biggest problem. After the performance of Kumar Rocker on Wednesday, the Rangers may need some help in the rotation after all. After all, Rocker's season ERA is back over 6.00, and he continues to look like someone who needs to figure things out before he can be relied on.

Jon Gray posts his first rehab outing

Jon Gray is officially on his way back to the Texas Rangers. Earlier this week, the right-hander, who fractured his forearm in Spring Training, made his first rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday, allowing one run in two innings on 32 pitches.

While the team doesn't know precisely how many other rehab assignments Gray will have, Bochy said he thinks the starting pitcher will likely get 4, depending on how he looks. That could mean he'll be back by the end of the month.

Josh Sborz in extended Spring Training

The Texas Rangers bullpen could use some help, and it might be on the way. Josh Sborz isn't as close to making his return as Gray, considering he's still in extended spring training. Still, he could embark on a rehab assignment soon.

Sborz has the velocity that is helpful at the back of a Rangers' bullpen that is both tired and lacking anyone who can approach the 96 mph average velocity that Sborz boasts.

Still no timeline for Tyler Mahle

Gray's possible return by the end of July is significant because, for now, it's unclear when Tyler Mahle will be back. A setback means it won't be July, and the best chance for his return from a shoulder injury is mid-August. However, the longer the team doesn't have a real timeline, the more it feels like he might be done for the season.

Joc Pederson is still on track for late July return

Exactly one week ago, Bochy stated that Joc Pederson would be able to return from a broken bone in his hand in three weeks. That means we're down to two weeks until he's back. Pederson will obviously need a rehab assignment after being out since May. News on when that starts should come soon from the Texas Rangers.