Rangers Starter Placed on IL

After joining the Texas Rangers as their big pitching addition in the offseason, starter Jon Gray has been forced to the injured list after just one start, due to a blister. 

The injury occurred during his Opening Night start against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre Friday night, and may partially explain how the Jays were able to start their comeback from a 7-0 deficit. Gray departed after four innings, having surrendered three runs on three hits and two walks. 

Rangers will IL Jon Gray with blister. Recall Spencer Patton. Can go with 4 starters due to a pair of upcoming off days. Gray’s skin can heal. He would return during Seattle-Oakland road trip

— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) April 9, 2022

Gray came over to the Rangers this offseason on a 4-year, $56M deal, after spending the first 7 years of his career in the altitude with the Colorado Rockies. He managed a decent 3.91 ERA in his time in Denver, a pretty successful run considering the pronounced hitters' environment. Texas is looking forward to seeing how he performs in the much more pitching-friendly Choctaw Stadium in Dallas. 

A blister should not be serious enough to keep him out for very long, and according to Rangers beat reporter Evan Grant, he hopes to return after the minimum 10-day stay on the IL, when the Rangers visit Seattle beginning on April 19th. 

34-year-old Spencer Patton has been recalled to take Gray's spot on the roster. 

Photo Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports