Winston Santos is nearing a return for the Texas Rangers after a back stress reaction kept him sidelined since April. A live bullpen session in Surprise set him up for an Arizona Complex League appearance this Friday, with a Double-A Frisco assignment looming once cleared. Santos is part of a trio of Rangers right-handed prospects—Jose Corniell and Caden Scarborough—ranked No. 3 and No. 8 by MLB Pipeline, respectively, illustrating a deep, talented depth chart in the Texas system. Santos, 23, previously posted a 3.18 ERA across two Frisco starts this season before the injury, and logged 3.67 ERA in 110 1/3 innings between High-A and Double-A last year. He even flashed in Spring Breakout action versus a Giants prospect group, throwing three scoreless frames. The club signed him out of the Dominican Republic for a modest $10,000 six years ago, underscoring a payoff prospecting often yields when health returns.

Corniell and Scarborough form the other two arms in the Rangers’ top prospects cadre, each carrying a high ceiling in a system known for its pitching depth. The mention of a pending ACL-related hurdle for Santos’ full return underscores the caution in projecting a rapid, gate-crashing arrival, but the pathway is clear: efficient rehab, a measured ramp, and continued performance in the minors could push both Corniell and Scarborough into real MLB consideration as the season progresses. The Giants’ spring showcase of top prospects provided a benchmark backdrop for this Texas group, highlighting the level of competition Santos and his fellow Rays could soon face on the big stage.

Injury woes have struck the Texas Rangers organization as three pitching prospects have been sidelined. Marc Church, suffering an oblique strain, is projected to miss 7-10 days, while Winston Santos faces a possible out time of 8-10 weeks due to a stress reaction in his lower back. Santos, a standout performer last season, was showing promise with a 3.18 ERA in two starts this season before the injury. Paul Bonziagni rounds out the list with elbow inflammation, with the team awaiting MRI results to assess the severity of his condition.

Church, the 23rd-ranked prospect in the organization, had a brief stint in the majors this season. Santos, previously the fifth-ranked prospect, showcased his potential last year with a solid 3.67 ERA over 110 1/3 innings at the minor league level. Bonziagni, a recent draft pick, also showed promise with a 3.64 ERA last season, further emphasizing the need for depth in the Rangers' pitching lineup as they navigate these injuries.