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Rangers Scratch Eovaldi, Deploy 1.65 ERA Opener Junis

5/12/2026

50 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Texas Rangers scratched Nathan Eovaldi on May 11, 2026 because of left-side tightness.
Eovaldi entered the series with a 4-4 record and a 4.15 ERA.
The Rangers appointed one-inning opener Jakob Junis, who carries a 1.65 ERA this season.
Arizona will start right-hander Michael Soroka, who has a 4.14 ERA this season.
The Rangers will image Eovaldi and could use Jacob Latz or Cal Quantrill if he misses time.

History

Historical Context

The Tampa Bay Rays introduced the opener on May 19 2018, first using reliever Sergio Romo, and lowered their team ERA to 3.97 over 93 innings versus a league 4.15 average. The success prompted the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers and others to try one-inning starters later that season. By 2024 opener usage fell sharply, though the strategy still influences bullpen planning.

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Story summary

The Texas Rangers scratched Nathan Eovaldi on May 11, 2026 because of left-side tightness.
Eovaldi entered the series with a 4-4 record and a 4.15 ERA.
The Rangers appointed one-inning opener Jakob Junis, who carries a 1.65 ERA this season.
Arizona will start right-hander Michael Soroka, who has a 4.14 ERA this season.
The Rangers will image Eovaldi and could use Jacob Latz or Cal Quantrill if he misses time.

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