Rangers' Nathan Eovaldi: Has low-grade strain, should avoid IL

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Eovaldi was diagnosed with a low-grade right oblique strain Monday and is expected to have his next start pushed back to the Rangers' four-game series with the Twins this weekend, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports.

After being pulled from his latest start this past Saturday against the Yankees with what the Rangers described as right side tightness, Eovaldi was sent back to Texas to meet with Dr. Keith Meister. Eovaldi received encouraging results from his MRI, and the Rangers are apparently optimistic that he will avoid a trip to the injured list and be able to pitch through the oblique strain. While the right-hander doesn't sound like he'll be an option to take the hill for Thursday's series opener versus Minnesota on his usual four days' rest, he could be plugged back into the rotation at some point Friday through Sunday. The Rangers will likely wait for Eovaldi to complete a bullpen session later this week before locking him in for his next start.