Rangers Make Bold Move: Tyler Mahle Returns From Injury, Carl Edwards Jr. DFA’d in Roster Shake-Up
The Texas Rangers entered this week searching for momentum — and they may have found it. After nearly three months on the shelf with a painful rotator cuff strain, right-hander Tyler Mahle has officially returned from the 60-day injured list. His reinstatement instantly changes the complexion of the Rangers’ pitching staff as the regular season nears its close.
But every comeback demands sacrifice. To make room for Mahle, Texas designated veteran reliever Carl Edwards Jr. for assignment. For baseball fans, Edwards isn’t just another name on the transaction wire — he’s a 2016 World Series champion who etched his name into history with the Chicago Cubs’ curse-breaking run.
⚡ Mahle’s Return: A Potential Game-Changer
Before his injury in June, Mahle was carving up lineups with quiet consistency:
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2.20 ERA in 15 games
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62 strikeouts in 81.2 innings
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Stabilizing presence in the rotation
Then came the setback — a rotator cuff strain that forced him out of action for almost three months. Now, fully cleared and ready to pitch, Mahle’s return is more than a roster update. It’s a reminder of the type of arm the Rangers can lean on when every inning matters.
With Texas still battling through late-season turbulence, Mahle’s reappearance gives them a proven weapon — someone who can eat innings, shut down rallies, and restore balance to a rotation that desperately missed him.
🏆 The Exit of a Champion
The corresponding move, though bittersweet, was inevitable. Carl Edwards Jr., now 33, was brought in on a minor league deal with hopes of rekindling his veteran fire. In his limited time on the mound, he delivered — tossing three scoreless innings across three appearances. But in baseball, timing is everything, and Edwards simply ran out of it in Texas.
For many fans, his name still sparks memories of 2016 — when the Cubs finally snapped their 108-year drought. Edwards was part of that story, and for that, his career carries a ring and a legacy few can match. Still, in 2025, baseball is about “what have you done lately,” and the Rangers needed a roster spot more than a reminder of history.
Edwards will likely clear waivers, with little chance of being claimed this late in the season. That sets him up to test free agency this offseason, where another club may look at his experience and steady arm as worth the gamble.
🔑 Why This Matters
This isn’t just about one roster move. It’s about the Rangers declaring that they’re not done fighting. Injuries have tested them all season, but Mahle’s return marks a turning point. His ability to slot back into the rotation could stabilize the staff just in time to finish the season strong — or at least plant the seeds for 2026 momentum.
For Edwards, this moment underscores the reality of baseball’s business side. Even World Series heroes eventually face tough cuts. But if history is any guide, someone with his pedigree won’t stay unsigned for long.
📊 Final Word
The transaction log may show one player added and one DFA’d, but the real story is bigger:
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Tyler Mahle’s comeback gives Texas life.
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Carl Edwards Jr.’s exit reminds fans of baseball’s cruel but necessary choices.
The Rangers believe Mahle can anchor them again. If he does, this roster shake-up will be remembered not as the day a champion was cut loose — but the day Texas got its ace back.
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