The Rangers made an announcement that Nathan Eovaldi, a right-handed pitcher, has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a strain in his right groin. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Yerry Rodríguez was recalled.

Eovaldi, aged 34, started Thursday’s game but left early due to tightness in his groin. Despite appearing unconcerned initially, as reported by Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today, the club arranged for him to undergo an MRI. While it has been confirmed that there is a strain, the extent of the injury has not been disclosed publicly.

The Texas Rangers scored a run but the Kansas City Royals scored seven runs.

No matter the duration of Eovaldi’s absence, his departure poses a significant challenge for the Rangers, who have already faced multiple injuries within their rotation. The team had foreseen prolonged absences for Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle, both of whom underwent Tommy John surgery last year. 

Additionally, Max Scherzer required back surgery during the offseason, necessitating his placement on the injured list to start the season. Cody Bradford also joined the injured group due to a rib stress fracture, and now Eovaldi follows suit by landing on the IL.

Losing Eovaldi will undoubtedly have an impact, given his impressive 2.61 earned run average this season. His absence becomes even more daunting for the club, especially during a stretch where they are scheduled to play 10 games in nine days, including a doubleheader in Oakland this Wednesday.

Meager scoring output? Check.

Runners left on base? You know it.

Leaving the bases loaded with nothing to show for it? I mean, it’s a Texas Rangers game in 2024, so yes.

The Rangers hit the road and not much changed as they continued to struggle to score runs and wasted another decent outing from their starter before the bullpen let the game get out of hand. You can tip your hat to the opposing pitching staff but we’re running out of hats to tip.

Meanwhile, Cole Winn had the first poor outing of his big league career — and indeed allowed the first hits and runs of his career — but those came in a tied game in the seventh. The four runs he allowed meant the game was no longer tied and by the time his frame was finished, the Rangers trailed by six runs and the bats had few outs to retaliate.

Player of the Game: Might eventually have to rename this section Hard Luck Loser of the Day.