The Texas Rangers received encouraging news on Monday, which could bode well for their pursuit of a division title. Right-handed pitcher Jon Gray is set to face live batters soon, signaling that his return to the team may be imminent. This positive development follows Gray’s recent placement on the 15-day injured list due to a groin strain, a setback that fortunately was not expected to keep him sidelined for an extended period.

Gray, known for his standout performances as a starting pitcher for the Rangers, exited his last game against the Phillies after five innings due to the groin injury. Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy expressed optimism about Gray’s recovery, suggesting that his absence from the mound would likely be brief.

If Gray’s rehabilitation progresses as expected, he could potentially rejoin the rotation towards the end of the week. This timing aligns well with the Rangers’ upcoming home games, beginning with a series against the Detroit Tigers on Monday, followed by matchups against the San Francisco Giants starting Friday. Gray’s return hinges on his continued recovery and performance in the days ahead.

Prior to his injury, Gray had compiled an impressive 2.21 ERA over the initial months of the season, boasting a record of 2-2 with 56 strikeouts. His anticipated comeback is viewed as a crucial step in shoring up the Rangers’ pitching staff, which has been hampered by injuries this season. Notably, starters Nathan Eovaldi and Dane Dunning have dealt with groin strains, while Max Scherzer remains sidelined on the 60-day IL as he recovers from back surgery.

Despite these challenges, the Rangers have demonstrated resilience, with Eovaldi recently returning to action and Dunning cleared to pitch while Gray continues his recovery. Although Scherzer’s timeline for return remains uncertain, his ongoing progress offers hope for a pitching rotation in need of reinforcements.

The Rangers have kicked off June on a positive note, securing consecutive victories against the Marlins. The potential return of Jon Gray could provide a much-needed boost for the team, helping to stabilize their rotation and strengthen their defense of the championship as the season unfolds.