Right-hander Jon Gray of the Texas Rangers has been placed on the 15-day disabled list due to stiffness in his lower forearm. Since the change takes effect retroactively on Thursday, Gray won’t be able to return to the active roster until October 13. Gray would therefore not be permitted to make a comeback until what may end up being the American League Division Series’ decisive Game 5. The Rangers have recalled left-hander Jake Latz from Triple-A in a similar move.

Gray’s departure is a significant one. Over 29 starts and 157 1/3 innings this season, the 31-year-old’s record is 4.12 ERA (108 ERA+) with a 2.63 K/BB ratio. Regarding Texas’ postseason prospects, they are poised to secure a spot in the postseason and are expected to win the AL West, which would guarantee them a first-round bye into the Division Series. The Rangers may decide to go without a player for the first four games of the series, which would allow Gray to start in the fifth game of the series. That seems like an implausible strategy, though, considering the tactical setbacks it would entail over the majority of the series.