Texas Rangers pitcher Jon Gray (22), right, turns the ball over to Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (15) as Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) looks on during the third inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field, Saturday, April 6, 2024 in Arlington.
Rangers’ Jon Gray Lands on IL with Groin Strain; Jesus Tinoco Called Up from Triple-AManager Bruce Bochy announced today that right-hander Jon Gray is headed to the injured list due to a groin strain. Despite the team terming it as “mild,” Gray will be sidelined for at least 15 days. In a corresponding move, the Rangers will promote right-hander Jesus Tinoco from Triple-A Round Rock. To accommodate Tinoco’s addition, left-hander Cody Bradford is being transferred from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL. Bradford has been sidelined for six weeks with a back strain and stress fracture in his ribs.
Gray’s injury adds to the list of starters on the injured list for the Rangers, including Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, Tyler Mahle, Nathan Eovaldi, and Bradford. This leaves Texas with a rotation featuring Andrew Heaney, Dane Dunning, Michael Lorenzen, Jose Ureña, and a yet-to-be-determined fifth option. Tinoco, a reliever, will not join the starting staff. The top depth options on the 40-man roster include Jack Leiter and Owen White, both of whom have struggled in the big leagues this season despite thriving in Triple-A.
Losing Gray is a significant setback for the Rangers, as he has been off to an exceptional start this season with a 2.21 ERA through 57 innings pitched. Tinoco, returning for his second stint with the Rangers, notably surrendered Aaron Judge’s record-breaking 62nd home run in 2022. Despite this, he logged a solid 2.18 ERA in 20 2/3 innings with lackluster strikeout and walk rates. Tinoco spent the 2023 season with Japan’s Seibu Lions before returning to the Rangers on a minor league deal. While he has had some success in Round Rock this season, command remains an ongoing issue for him, as evidenced by his elevated walk rate.
