Jon Gray developed a blister in last night’s season opening game against the Blue Jays. Though he initially said he expected to make his next start, the club will be placing him on the IL. Spencer Patton will be recalled to take his place on the roster. (Twitter links from Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News)
Gray was signed in the offseason to a four-year, $56MM deal to front a rotation that was otherwise composed of younger and less-experienced arms. Although this set back is unfortunate news for Rangers fans, there doesn’t seem to be much need for panic. As noted by Grant, the club has a few off-days coming up (on April 13th and 18th), meaning they won’t need a fifth starter until April 23rd, two weeks from now. After the shortened Spring Training following the lockout, certain rules have been changed for the start of the season. While the minimum length of stay on the injured list for pitchers and two-way players is increasing to 15 days this season, that won’t go into effect until May 2. From April 7 through May 1, pitchers and two-way players can be placed on the 10-day injured list. This move seems to merely be a precautionary one, using the gaps in the schedule and the temporary rule change as a way to make sure Gray can quickly heal up before the six-month grind that lies ahead.
Dane Dunning is on the hill today and will take up one rotation spot. Martin Perez, who was also signed in the offseason to add some veteran presence, should have another. Taylor Hearn and Spencer Howard should have the final two slots.
As for Patton, the 34-year-old returned to MLB last year after a four-year stint in Japan. In 42 1/3 innings for the Rangers last year, he put up an ERA of 3.83 with a 27.9% strikeout rate and 8.7% walk rate.
The Rockies front office prevails
yeah, words that nobody ever said ever and never will. Its first start and a blister bro, relax. He’s been excellent in the spring and was pitching well before the blister. Now that he’s out of that wiffle ball field and in a better park he will do well. Especially at his price, he’s on a fair deal for starter.
Overpay yikes
The Rockies front office prevails…
Looks like I already said it
The rockies are hot garbage and the front office is akin to Satan’s Gooch. Stop being a clown, TTP
Never understood why so many couch potatoes hate on a professional player
He’s always got something going on. Blisters and him have a long relationship. Most inconsistent elite arm I’ve ever seen. You just never know what you’re gonna get start to start (including whether he’s gonna start).
I’m preparing for the incoming tsunami of the injuries that are about to happen
A Blister and Sad feelings, a seven run lead……
MLBTR didn’t highlight his name so we could link to Baseball Refrence
He was ‘Grayed’ Out!!!
Fixed now?
Eh good move.
Bullpen will need reinforced after last nights game
Blister to his ego? That’s more like a mortal wound – and it’s not going away any time soon.
I’ve had one of those.
You’re right, Clip. Tough to get over. I’m still not back to 100% & it’s been decades.
Ever since I read a write up on him by Mr Axisa I’ve liked Gray. Hey! This is another player that we cou…aww forget it, man.
Blisters ruin seasons just ask Rich Hill
I got blisters on me fingers – John Lennon
Ringo said that.
Ringo
Ringo baby
Ringo (I didn’t know this but everyone else said it)
Paul! George! John!
And he got Blisters in the Sun.
oh no, the Beatles stans are here and they are ANGRY
Or careers, ask Aaron Sanchez
When I’m out walking, I strut my stuff, and I’m so strung out. I’m high as a kite, I just might, stop to check you out.
blister in the sun by the violent femmes that was a good tune outta the 90’s and now stuck in my head lol
1983
Middle aged guys who remember the 80s. Yes indeedy- we are baseballs core demo.
Earworm. You are welcome.
What a fantastic album.
Texas’ rotation is somewhat of a gray area.
If the Rangers said that they hoped Gray got off to a blistering start, I don’t think this is what they meant.
not nearly enough pitching on this team and this wolnt help.
34 years old and can’t be a free agent until 2027.
Who’s 34? Jon Gray’s like 30.
I think he’s talking about Patton, who’s 34.
Patton. I should have been more specific.
He’ll be a free agent before 2027. Because there is no way the Rangers will be tendering him a contract every year between now and then.
After Gray, yaaaaawn
Entire post about Gray’s Anatomy.
I guess that there’s still some Gray area about how bad the blister is.
Too much stickum huh?