Nathan Eovaldi DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (oblique) "feels good" after throwing a bullpen session on Wednesday, and he is set to start on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins. It turns out that Eovaldi won't have to miss a turn through the starting rotation despite suffering a low-grade right-oblique strain in his last outing last Saturday against the New York Yankees, when he gave up three earned runs with two walks and four strikeouts in just three innings for a loss. The 34-year-old veteran has seen a rise in his strikeout rate this year to 24% while going 8-6 with a 3.75 ERA (3.94 FIP), a 1.10 WHIP and a 117:29 K:BB in 120 innings over his 21 starts. However, the two-time All-Star will be a shaky lineup option for fantasy managers in his first start off an injury against one of the better hitting teams in the American League.

Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi has a low-grade oblique strain, according to MLB insider Jim Bowden. Eovaldi left his start early on August 10 after experiencing some pain on his side. He met with Dr. Keith Meister to determine the severity of his injury, and it appears the right-hander avoided a major injury. Bowden says the two-time All-Star pitcher will have his start pushed back to this weekend when the Rangers face the Minnesota Twins for a four-game series. As a result, it looks like Eovaldi will avoid the injured list. He has a 3.75 ERA and 117 strikeouts across 21 starts this season.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (side) left Saturday's game early due to side tightness, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. The 34-year-old was able to record just nine outs before exiting the opening game of Saturday's doubleheader. Across the three innings, Eovaldi struggled as he served up six hits, two free passes, and three runs while striking out four. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Eovaldi's status entering the new week, as he may need to miss a turn through the rotation depending on the severity of the injury. The veteran right-hander currently sits with a 3.75 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a 29:117 BB:K ratio through 120 innings of work this season and remains a solid depth option in all leagues.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi put together a big performance in Wednesday's victory versus the Chicago White Sox. Eovaldi tossed seven innings of two-run ball, allowing four hits, two runs, no walks and striking out 10 on the evening. The veteran was coming off a rough start in his last outing versus the Baltimore Orioles, but returned to form in a big way. With his impressive outing, Eovaldi improves to 7-4 with a 3.31 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 104 strikeouts in 106 innings. Health is always a concern with the veteran, but as long as he is on the mound, managers should continue to roll with him. Next up for the right-hander will be a date with the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi continued to pitch well on Sunday, tossing seven innings of two-run ball against the Tampa Bay Rays and earning a win in the process. Eovaldi allowed only four hits while walking none and striking out five. The only runs he allowed were a two-run homer given up in the third inning to Jose Caballero. This marks his third start in a row of seven innings and his second quality start in that stretch. He has also given up just five hits and walked none in his last two efforts combined. Eovaldi seems to be more streaky than the average pitcher, but his good stretches can be dominant like what we are seeing now, making him a great fantasy option when he is on.