Cavalry coming? Nathan Eovaldi of the Texas Rangers is about to return

MINNEAPOLIS – The Texas Rangers’ rotation may be about to take another turn, this time in a positive direction.

Starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi threw a bullpen session at Target Field on Friday, and Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said the team's starter is “close” to pitching on Opening Day.

How close exactly and where?

“I will leave it at that for now,” said Bochy. “It could be, possibly, [a rehab start]yes. Could be here. We haven't decided yet. We have a good idea of ​​what we're going to do, but we'll see how it goes today.”

The Rangers have not yet named a starter for Sunday's final game of the series against the Twins, although Eovaldi has not pitched since May 2 against the Washington Nationals. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 3 with a groin strain.

The 34-year-old is one of six Texans starters currently on the injured list, along with Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, Tyler Mahle, Cody Bradford and Jon Gray, who was placed on the list Thursday with a right groin strain. Dane Dunning — who had been out with a right rotator cuff strain — was reactivated on Wednesday.

Texas' rotation has maintained its composure despite the mass absences, entering Friday's game with the fourth-best ERA (3.40) in the American League this month, although a healthier group of starters would give the Rangers more options in their bullpen, which has been the worst in baseball this season.

Eovaldi had a 2.61 ERA in seven starts this season before landing on the injured list.

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