The Rangers might not lose their star leadoff hitter for the entire postseason. While Joc Pederson is officially headed to the injured list, a loophole exists. Per ESPN, the move was retroactive to September 19. This timing means Pederson could be eligible to play in the Wild Card Series if the Rangers hold onto their AL West lead.
It is still a huge blow to the lineup. The 10-day injured list placement comes because of a fracture in his left wrist. He hasn’t been in the lineup since September 13. That injury happened when he was struck by a pitch while playing in Arizona on September 12. He has been a force this year, hitting 26 homers with 53 RBIs in 136 games.
A season ends for Cal Quantrill
The good news for the roster is not nearly as big as the bad news for the pitching staff. Cal Quantrill is done for the year. MLB Trade Rumors reported that the team transferred him to the 60-day injured list. He dealt with right lat tightness over the weekend. He had already been on the 15-day IL because of that same issue. He only managed to pitch four batters and 12 pitches against Toronto before leaving the game.
Quantrill was a reliable arm for the team. He went 9-5 this season. Losing a versatile pitcher like him right before the playoffs is a nightmare. It leaves a massive gap in the rotation that the team must fill immediately.
Roster shifts in Texas
The Rangers are moving pieces around to stay afloat. To create a spot on the 40-man roster for Michael Helman, the team had to move Quantrill. Helman is coming back from the 60-day injured list. The team also brought Peyton Gray back from the 15-day IL. These moves help the depth, but they don’t replace the talent lost to injury.
The team also sent Adam Macko to the rookie-level Rangers in Arizona. It is a lot of change at once. The Rangers face the New York Mets next in their final homestand.
