Texas Rangers receive much-needed bullpen boost as key reliever returns from IL

It's no secret that the Texas Rangers' bullpen needs help. Texas' relievers entered Monday ranked 26th in ERA (4.87), 23rd in strikeout rate (20.8%), and 25th in walk rate (10.7%).

Luckily, the Rangers just received a much-needed bullpen boost. On Monday, the Rangers announced they reinstated left-hander Robert Garcia from the 60-day injured list. Texas optioned right-hander Ben Peoples to Triple-A Round Rock as a corresponding move.

Garcia, 30, threw just eight innings this season before landing on the IL with shoulder inflammation in April. The southpaw clearly didn't feel 100%, as he walked seven batters and struck out just six over those eight innings.

The Rangers acquired Garcia from the Washington Nationals after the 2024 season. Garcia had a solid 2025 season with Texas, recording a 2.95 ERA with a 25.3% strikeout rate and an 8.2% walk rate over 64 innings out of the bullpen. Despite his overall strong numbers, Garcia frustrated Rangers fans during his first year with the club by blowing seven saves in 16 opportunities.

Still, Rangers fans should be happy if Garcia can finish the season looking like the 2025 version of himself. It'd be understandable for Rangers fans to be nervous if Texas planned to use Garcia in save situations, but the Rangers are set at closer with All-Star left-hander Jacob Latz.

Robert Garcia's return comes at perfect time for Rangers

The Rangers are currently two games back of the final American League Wild Card spot and two games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West. Garcia obviously won't carry the team, but having him back could prove vital for Texas given how close the American League postseason race is.

The Rangers have just 18 games remaining in the regular season. Garcia is a nice addition, but the team could obviously use more bullpen help. Luckily, Jack Leiter and Nathan Eovaldi are both working their way back from the IL. While both Leiter and Eovaldi are starters, reports from Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News suggest the two right-handers will pitch out of the bullpen for the Rangers when they return.

The Rangers don't have an easy schedule ahead of them, but it doesn't appear to be too difficult. They begin a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. While the Mariners haven't played well lately, many believe they're a much better team than their record suggests. Then, the Rangers play two good teams, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Boston Red Sox, before beginning a series against the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays.

The final two series of the regular season should be winnable, as Texas will play a three-game set against the last-place New York Mets before taking on the struggling Minnesota Twins.

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