Texas Rangers
· 2026-07-06
The Texas Rangers placed right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis on the injured list with a right hip impingement.
The move comes after the Rangers lost 3-6 to the Detroit Tigers on July 5, dropping to 6th in the American League with a 45-45 record.
Junis, the team's second-most important relief pitcher, has a 2.80 ERA in 31 games this season and is expected to return after the minimum number of days required on the injured list.
He saved five games before his injury, forming a lethal one-two punch with left-handed pitcher Jacob Latz at the back end of the bullpen.
Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young said Junis needs a break to get his injury under control, as he's been so important to the team.
The 33-year-old has been the club's top right-handed relief option, and his absence will be felt in the bullpen.
The Rangers activated right-handed pitcher Chris Martin, who has been sidelined for the last month with a right shoulder impingement, to replace Junis.
Martin had a 7.84 ERA in a dozen games before his injury and yielded a .391 batting average against, but after a rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco, the Rangers were pleased with the quality of his pitches.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said Martin was up to 95, 96, with his slider, and the spin looked good, and he's expected to return to a high-leverage role.
The Rangers will also be without left-handed pitcher Jalen Beeks for the remainder of the season after he chose to undergo surgery on a strained flexor tendon.
Beeks had a 3.81 ERA in 29 games, and the Rangers were prepared to activate him off the injured list before he reported the strain in his arm.
And with the All-Star break nearing, the Rangers' bullpen will be tested even more, as they try to mix and match to replace Junis' innings.
But Martin's return is a welcome boost, as the Rangers look to get back on track after losing two straight games.
So the Rangers will look to Martin to fill the void left by Junis, and help the team get back to winning ways.
The Rangers are currently on a L2 streak, and will look to snap it when they take on their next opponent.