Texas Rangers starting pitcher Corey Kluber pitched a goalless first inning today against the Colorado Rockies, walking with a batter and striking out a batter, and exited the mound at the end of the inning in a normal manner.
However, Kluber did not come out to launch the second inning, but Joe Palumbo came out in place of Kluber. Palumbo had all the time he needed to warm up, suggesting it was some sort of injury or other physical issue, since that’s the only scenario where a pitcher gets unlimited time to warm up.
I have no idea at this point what the problem is as the replays did not show Kluber having problems on the bench, and I don’t want to speculate. So we will only update this when we have more information.
UPDATE: Kluber was pulled due to the strain on the back of his right shoulder. That obviously is not good.
The Rangers have days off that would allow them to juggle to avoid needing a fifth starter again until August 8, if they so choose, though that would mean Jordan Lyles will start next Saturday in San Francisco, rather than Sunday, as it had been. previously announced, with Lance Lynn starting Sunday’s game.
Hopefully Kluber is ready to come back by then, but if he isn’t, Palumbo or Kolby Allard will take their place in the rotation.
