Nathan Eovaldi faces a potential sports hernia surgery after finishing 2024 with a rotator cuff strain, forcing the Rangers to monitor spring ramp-up closely. If surgery is needed, his readiness could slip, even as the arm shows signs of near-healing. Seager’s 2024 sports hernia history and other IL returnees shape Texas’ spring depth and rotation planning.

Eovaldi’s late-season absence and strong 2024 numbers (11-3, 1.73 ERA, 130 innings) anchor the rotation, but contract through 2027 provides long-term value. Other veterans—Seager, Semien, Langford, Burger, Carter, Bradford, Winn—are on track for normal offseasons, keeping the Rangers’ fantasy upside tempered by health questions.

Rangers rookie Jack Leiter grew noticeably this season, but a late-mixed-messaging loss to Miami underscored the two-way narrative: progress and still-growing innings wear. He battled through a six-inning, two-run frame until two late two-out homers swung the game 4-3 in favor of Miami, trimming Texas’ playoff odds to two based on Boston’s win at Tampa Bay. Bochy praised Leiter’s poise and growth, while Leiter acknowledged the must-win pace and remaining challenge.

The season has drafted Leiter as a legitimate starter with a refined changeup and the ability to slow the game. With another potential start left and an eye toward a 150-inning cap, fantasy managers should monitor his innings timing and continued curveball/fastball command as he evolves into a true frontline piece.

The Texas Rangers are showing a commitment to local talent by selecting two left-handed pitchers from the DFW area during the 2025 MLB draft. Texas grabbed Ben Abeldt from TCU in the fifth round, who has a strong collegiate background but faced an injury this past season. In the ninth round, they selected Owen Proksch from Duke, known for his potential as he transitions from a bullpen role to possibly starting. Both players bring new dynamics to a franchise looking to build on recent successes.

Abeldt, a Rangers fan since childhood, aims to recover from his elbow surgery and contribute to the team's future. Proksch, while less of a fan during his youth, recognizes the opportunity ahead and has already made strides in improving his pitching repertoire. The Rangers, guided by their scouting department, believe in the upside of both pitchers, which could significantly bolster their pitching depth moving forward.

The Texas Rangers are facing a significant setback with starting pitcher Tyler Mahle, who has been diagnosed with a slight right rotator cuff strain. The team is opting to proceed cautiously in his recovery, postponing any throwing activities for several weeks. This delay means Mahle will miss the July 31 trade deadline, impacting the team's roster decisions and potential trades. Prior to his injury, Mahle boasted an impressive 2.34 ERA across 77 innings, making him a likely candidate for trade. With Mahle on the injured list since June 15 due to shoulder fatigue, the Rangers are now responsible for his $16.5 million salary this season but may avoid paying performance incentives related to innings pitched.

Adding to their challenges, the Rangers will also be without left-hander Cody Bradford, who has undergone season-ending surgery. This situation puts additional pressure on the remaining rotation, which currently includes Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Patrick Corbin, Jack Leiter, and Kumar Rocker. The loss of depth in the rotation could affect the team's competitive edge as they approach crucial mid-season decisions.