---
title: "Rangers scratch Nathan Eovaldi with side tightness"
description: "Veteran righty's late scratch adds to Texas rotation injury crisis ahead of October push."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/rangers-nathan-eovaldi-won-t-face-d-backs-due-to-tight-side-mp1ryohp
published: 2026-05-11T21:38:31+00:00
updated: 2026-05-13T06:27:08.144+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["baseball"]
---

# Rangers scratch Nathan Eovaldi with side tightness

> Veteran righty's late scratch adds to Texas rotation injury crisis ahead of October push.

The Texas Rangers scratched right-hander Nathan Eovaldi from Monday's start against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to left side tightness, deepening concerns about a rotation already battered by injuries.

The team has not named a replacement starter or provided a timeline for Eovaldi's return, leaving his next turn in doubt.

Eovaldi, 36, has been the Rangers' most consistent starter this season, posting a 3.72 ERA over eight starts.

Side tightness can range from minor irritation requiring a few days' rest to a more serious strain that lands a pitcher on the injured list.

Texas's medical staff will evaluate him before deciding on his next outing.

The timing is brutal for the defending champions.

Eovaldi's potential absence tests a rotation that already lost Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer to long-term injuries.

Without him, Texas may need to call up Triple-A depth or deploy a bullpen game to cover starts.

What's next: The Rangers will likely announce a replacement starter Monday afternoon.

Expect an IL stint if Eovaldi's tightness doesn't subside within 48 hours.

## Why this matters

Nathan Eovaldi is the Rangers' most reliable starter in a rotation that has been decimated by injuries to Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. Any absence — even a short one — forces Texas to scramble for innings from unproven arms or bullpen games. This is a stress test for the defending champs' October ambitions: if Eovaldi misses time, their playoff path narrows significantly.

## Frequently asked

### What happened to Nathan Eovaldi?

Eovaldi was scratched from Monday's start against the Diamondbacks due to left side tightness. The Rangers have not announced a replacement starter or a timeline for his return.

### How serious is side tightness for a pitcher?

Side tightness can range from minor soreness requiring a few days' rest to a strain that lands a pitcher on the injured list. The Rangers' medical staff will monitor him closely.

### Who might replace Eovaldi in the rotation?

The Rangers could call up a Triple-A arm or use a bullpen game. No replacement has been named yet.

### How does this affect the Rangers' season?

Eovaldi has been Texas's most consistent starter. Any absence tests a rotation already missing Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer, potentially hurting their playoff push.

## Sources & Citations

- [Rangers' Nathan Eovaldi won't face D-backs due to tight side](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48744303/rangers-nathan-eovaldi-face-d-backs-due-tight-side) — ESPN (2026-05-11)

---

Cite: Rangers scratch Nathan Eovaldi with side tightness. Sportopod, 2026-05-11. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/rangers-nathan-eovaldi-won-t-face-d-backs-due-to-tight-side-mp1ryohp