Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Gray is ‘ready to go’ and could be ready to start ‘within a few days Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jon Gray throws to the Chicago White Sox in the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.(Tony Gutierrez / AP)
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After live bullpen, Jon Gray’s next stop is the Texas Rangers’ starting rotation
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Gray is ‘ready to go’ and could be ready to start ‘within a few days’.
By Shawn McFarland
Texas Rangers reporter
4:26 PM on Aug 17, 2024 CDT
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jon Gray throws to the Chicago White Sox in the first inning…
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jon Gray throws to the Chicago White Sox in the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.(Tony Gutierrez / AP)
ARLINGTON — Jon Gray’s first time pitching to batters in over three weeks yielded an encouraging feeling.
Normal.
“It felt like how it should feel,” Gray said. “Not too weird.”
Gray, alongside fellow rehabber Jacob deGrom, pitched three “innings” of a live bullpen session on Saturday at Globe Life Field before the Texas Rangers’ game vs. the Minnesota Twins. It was the first time Gray — who faced the trio of Ezequiel Duran, Travis Jankowski and Robbie Grossman — had thrown to hitters since he was placed on the injured list on July 29 with a right groin strain.
In regards to the weirdness, or lack there of: “Sometimes if you take a little bit of time off, it can feel a little bit strange or funny when you get back in there,” Gray said. “It felt like I had pitched a week ago, it felt good.”
The better news: Gray’s next stop will all but likely be the Rangers’ rotation in lieu of a minor league rehab start. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday that Gray is “ready to go” and could be ready to start “within a few days.” The Rangers will host the Pittsburgh Pirates starting Monday, then travel to the Cleveland Guardians after an off day on Thursday.
Gray has a 3.73 ERA in 94 innings (20 games, 17 starts) for the Rangers this season. His injury — along with Max Scherzer’s shoulder fatigue and Nathan Eovaldi’s pushed-back start due to side tightness — partly decimated Texas’ rotation for the first half of August. Texas starting pitchers have yielded an American League-worst 6.09 ERA in August and its bullpen, which has been stretched thin as a byproduct of that, has posted a 5.34 ERA.
Jon Gray, a prominent pitcher for the Texas Rangers, has recently transitioned from a live bullpen session to joining the team’s starting rotation. This shift marks a significant moment in his career and is reflective of the Rangers’ strategic decisions as they navigate the complexities of a competitive MLB season.
Gray, who was acquired by the Rangers in the 2021 offseason, has always been a key figure on the mound due to his potent fastball and effective slider. Initially, he was expected to bolster the Rangers’ rotation, but injuries and inconsistent performance led to a temporary reassignment to the bullpen. His role there was crucial, providing the team with a reliable arm in high-leverage situations and offering depth during a challenging period.
The live bullpen session was a critical milestone in Gray’s transition. These sessions are designed to simulate game conditions without the pressure of actual competition, allowing pitchers to work on their mechanics, adjust their pitches, and build stamina. For Gray, this was more than just a routine practice; it was an opportunity to demonstrate his readiness to return to the starting rotation. His performance in this session was instrumental in convincing the coaching staff that he was prepared for the demands of being a starter once again.
Gray’s move back into the rotation comes at a crucial time for the Rangers. With the team in the thick of the playoff race, having a reliable and experienced starter like Gray can make a significant difference. His track record as a starter is impressive, characterized by his ability to log innings and keep opposing hitters at bay. The Rangers’ coaching staff has been carefully monitoring his progress, and the decision to reinstate him as a starter underscores their confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.
The impact of Gray’s return to the rotation extends beyond just his individual performance. It also affects the team’s overall pitching strategy. With Gray back in the starting lineup, the Rangers can better manage their bullpen, providing other relievers with more rest and reducing the risk of overworking them. This redistribution of workload can enhance the team’s performance throughout the season and in critical games.
Moreover, Gray’s return to the rotation provides a psychological boost to the team. Having a pitcher of his caliber in the starting lineup can elevate the entire team’s confidence and morale. It signals a commitment to competing at the highest level and addresses any concerns about depth and consistency in the rotation.
As Gray transitions back to starting, there will be an emphasis on managing his workload and ensuring he remains healthy throughout the season. The Rangers’ medical and coaching staff will be closely monitoring his innings and making adjustments as needed to prevent any setbacks. This careful management is crucial to maximizing his effectiveness and ensuring that he remains a key asset for the remainder of the season.
In summary, Jon Gray’s shift from a live bullpen session to the Texas Rangers’ starting rotation represents a significant and strategic move. It highlights the team’s trust in his abilities and their commitment to enhancing their pitching depth as they pursue their goals for the season. With Gray’s return to the rotation, the Rangers not only bolster their pitching staff but also position themselves more favorably in their quest for success in a competitive league.
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