The Texas Rangers may be facing another setback in their bullpen after reliever Luis Curvelo exited Tuesday’s game against the Oakland Athletics due to an apparent arm injury. The incident occurred in the seventh inning when Curvelo delivered a wild pitch to batter Jacob Wilson that sailed well off target, landing far behind the plate. Immediately after the pitch, Curvelo showed visible discomfort and signaled to the dugout for assistance.
The right-hander’s reaction made it clear something was wrong. After releasing the errant pitch, he quickly gestured toward the bench and dropped his glove, using his left hand to grab and rub his upper right arm. His body language suggested significant pain, and he slowly made his way off the field as trainers attended to him. Tyler Alexander was called in to replace him as the Rangers scrambled to adjust mid-inning.
Following the game, manager Skip Schumaker provided a brief update, indicating that the injury appeared to be related to Curvelo’s biceps. While Schumaker noted that the pain had subsided somewhat after Curvelo left the mound, the team is expected to conduct further evaluations to determine the severity of the issue. Given the circumstances, there is growing concern that the Rangers may need to make another roster move to address their bullpen depth.
Curvelo had only recently been called up to the major league roster on April 5 after the team suffered another bullpen injury. In his limited appearances this season, he posted a 5.40 ERA across four outings, striking out three batters and issuing two walks over five innings of work. While his sample size was small, the Rangers had hoped he could provide some stability in a relief corps that has already dealt with multiple challenges early in the season.
Before joining Texas, Curvelo spent his entire professional career in the Seattle Mariners organization but never received an opportunity at the major league level. The Rangers signed him last season and eventually gave him his MLB debut. In 17 appearances during that campaign, he recorded a 1-1 record with a 5.68 ERA. Over 19 innings, he struck out 20 batters while walking 10, allowing opponents to hit .236 against him. His WHIP stood at 1.42, reflecting some inconsistency but also flashes of potential.
With Curvelo’s status uncertain, the Rangers may need to explore options to reinforce their bullpen ahead of their next game. One candidate is Peyton Gray, who impressed during spring training and has continued to perform well at Triple-A Round Rock. Gray currently holds a 1-0 record with a perfect 0.00 ERA in six appearances, along with 12 strikeouts and just two walks in 9.2 innings. However, his recent workload could complicate his immediate availability, as he pitched two innings in Tuesday’s game.
Another possible option is Josh Sborz, who has also been effective at Triple-A. Bringing either pitcher up would require a corresponding move on the 40-man roster, adding another layer of decision-making for the front office.
The Rangers are already dealing with injuries elsewhere on the pitching staff. Reliever Carter Baumler is currently on the injured list with a right intercostal strain and is not eligible to return until next week. Meanwhile, starting pitchers Cody Bradford and Jordan Montgomery are both sidelined as they recover from significant procedures. Bradford is working his way back from UCL surgery, while Montgomery is still rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and may not return until after the All-Star break.
Given the team’s current injury situation, Curvelo’s exit adds to the growing list of concerns for Texas. The coming days will be critical as the organization evaluates his condition and determines how best to maintain stability within its pitching staff.
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