Rangers Part Ways with Pitcher Nabil Crismatt Following Injury Setback
The Texas Rangers have officially released right-handed pitcher Nabil Crismatt from their Triple-A affiliate, Round Rock Express, ending his brief stint with the organization. According to his MLB transactions record, Crismatt has become a free agent after being removed from the club’s minor league roster while recovering from elbow surgery that sidelined him during spring training.
The 30-year-old pitcher had spent the entire season on the full-season injured list after undergoing a procedure related to his elbow before the regular season began. Although he is now free to sign with another organization, Crismatt is expected to attract interest primarily through a minor league rehabilitation contract as he continues working toward a full recovery.
Crismatt originally joined the Rangers organization in December after agreeing to a minor league contract. The signing represented another opportunity for the veteran right-hander to work his way back to the major leagues following several years of moving between organizations. Despite possessing valuable MLB experience, Crismatt had exhausted his minor league options, making it more difficult for clubs to keep him on their active rosters without exposing him to waivers.
Before signing with Texas, Crismatt spent the 2025 season in the organizations of both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies. During that campaign, he delivered solid performances at the Triple-A level, making 20 starts while pitching 102⅓ innings. He finished with a respectable 3.96 ERA, once again proving capable of handling a significant workload as a starting pitcher.
His success wasn’t limited to the minor leagues. Crismatt also earned opportunities with Arizona’s major league club, where he appeared in eight games, including five starts. Across those outings, he posted a 3.71 ERA, demonstrating that he could still compete effectively against major league hitters when given the chance.
One of the defining characteristics of Crismatt’s pitching style has always been his exceptional command. While he has never been known as a strikeout pitcher, he consistently limits free passes and forces hitters to earn their way on base. Throughout both his major and minor league appearances in recent seasons, his walk rate remained at or below six percent, reflecting outstanding control and an ability to consistently throw strikes.
Over the course of his major league career, Crismatt has accumulated 211 innings with an overall 3.71 ERA, with most of those appearances coming out of the bullpen. His most productive stretch came with the San Diego Padres between 2021 and 2022, when he quietly established himself as one of the club’s most dependable relief arms.
During that two-year span, Crismatt compiled a 3.39 ERA across nearly 149 innings, ranking among the busiest relievers in Major League Baseball. His combination of reliable command and efficient pitching allowed him to become a trusted option for the Padres in a variety of situations.
Another strength throughout his career has been his ability to generate ground balls. Between 2021 and 2022, more than half of the balls put into play against him stayed on the ground, helping him limit extra-base hits and avoid damaging home runs. His career ground-ball rate remains well above league average, making him an attractive option for teams that value pitchers capable of inducing weak contact.
Before suffering his elbow injury, Crismatt had entered spring training as a legitimate candidate to claim the fifth spot in the Rangers’ starting rotation. Unfortunately, his opportunity disappeared after he underwent surgery on his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), although the organization never disclosed the exact nature of the procedure.
His recovery timeline will largely depend on which surgery he received. If doctors performed an internal brace procedure, Crismatt could potentially return in time for spring training next year. However, if he underwent Tommy John surgery, his rehabilitation would likely extend into the early months of the 2027 season, possibly delaying his return until late April or early May, assuming there are no setbacks.
Despite his current injury, Crismatt’s track record suggests he could still draw attention once he is healthy. Although his fastball typically sits in the upper 80s rather than overpowering hitters, his excellent command, ability to generate ground balls, and previous success at both the major and minor league levels make him an intriguing low-risk option. Teams searching for experienced pitching depth may view him as a worthwhile reclamation project capable of contributing once his rehabilitation is complete.
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