September 5, 2025
Texas Rangers Hall of Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez has weighed in on the team’s latest setback, addressing the injury to veteran pitcher Nathan Eovaldi, who was recently ruled out for the remainder of the season with a rotator cuff strain.
Rodríguez, one of the franchise’s most celebrated figures, expressed concern but also offered encouragement during a media appearance this week. “Losing a leader like Eovaldi is never easy,” Rodríguez said. “He’s been the heart of the pitching staff, especially in the big games. But this team has the talent and character to overcome it.”
Eovaldi, who played a pivotal role in Texas’ 2023 World Series run, had been a steady presence in the rotation. His absence comes at a difficult moment for the Rangers, who are already dealing with multiple injuries to key players, including Marcus Semien and Corey Seager.
Rodríguez emphasized the importance of younger pitchers stepping up to fill the void. “This is when opportunities open up,” he noted. “I’ve seen it before — one player goes down, and another becomes the next star. The Rangers have depth, and now it’s time to use it.”
Fans, still reeling from the news of Eovaldi’s season-ending injury, found comfort in hearing from a franchise legend. For many, Rodríguez’s message reinforced the resilience that has long defined Rangers baseball.
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