Nathan Eovaldi was scratched from his scheduled start Monday night against Arizona due to left side tightness, forcing the Rangers to pivot to a bullpen game with Jakob Junis taking the mound instead. The team announced the change about three hours before first pitch, with manager Skip Schumaker saying Eovaldi felt the tightness earlier that day and underwent medical imaging to assess the severity.

Eovaldi, who is listed as day-to-day, was riding momentum after consecutive wins over the Yankees where he limited them to just one run while striking out 15 across 15 innings. His recent form showed promise after a 2025 season shortened by injuries, posting an 11-3 record with a career-best 1.73 ERA in 22 starts before elbow and shoulder issues ended his year.

The injury news compounds Texas's concerns as second baseman Josh Smith deals with wrist inflammation while working back from a strained right glute. Smith's return from the 10-day injured list will likely be delayed, creating a gap in the infield after his .217 batting average in 31 games this season.