Two-time AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber could end the season after just one inning for the Texas Rangers.
He has a break in a small muscle in his right shoulder that won’t require surgery, but even in the best case scenario in this shortened season, he won’t be throwing again for at least four weeks, which is when he’ll be re-evaluated.
“It is a hit, there is no way to avoid it,” Jon Daniels, team president and general manager, said Monday.
Daniels said an MRI revealed a grade 2 tear. The 34-year-old will receive an injection of platelet-rich plasma this week.
“Given the time frame here and the nature of a 60 game schedule and all that goes with it, the timeline is not on our side,” Daniels said. “We will give him his rest period, and then if he recovers, or if the injury heals to the point where he can start pitching, he will do so with the potential of possibly being ready by the end of the season.” that’s the case, he’s probably more likely as a reliever, given the time it takes to build as a starter. “
The Rangers did not make an immediate move on the list Monday as they had the day off, but Kluber is heading to the disabled list. Daniels said young left-hander Kolby Allard, who is already on the 30-player list after nine rookie starts last season, will take Kluber’s place in the rotation.
Kluber exited Sunday’s home game against Colorado after a goalless inning with tension behind his shoulder. It was his first major league start since May 1, 2019, when he broke his right forearm with a lining toward the mound. He hurt his side during rehab last summer.
The Rangers acquired Kluber in a Cleveland trade in December, and added him to a rotation with left-hander Mike Minor and veteran pitcher Lance Lynn.
“I felt like I was in a very, very good place, that I really hadn’t had any physical problems,” Daniels said. “Talking to him a little bit today, he feels better than he has physically in years. There really is no indication that this is happening. He was throwing the ball really well.”
Texas has a $ 18 million club option by 2021, and Daniels said it was too early to think about that. But the general manager said the Rangers acquired Kluber with the mindset of having him beyond the season, adding that the setback doesn’t necessarily change that desire.
Kluber was Cleveland’s Opening Day starter in each of the past five seasons, part of a period when he was one of baseball’s most dominant and consistent pitchers. Before getting injured last season, he was the winner of 20 games in 2018, had thrown at least 203 innings with 222 strikeouts each season from 2014 to 2018, and was the winner of Cy Young in 2014 and 2017.
Kluber spent nine seasons in Cleveland, and Indians manager Terry Francona texted the pitcher with warm wishes and support Monday.
“I’m just saying I’m thinking about him,” said Francona. “That’s tough. He really met some tough luck. He came back last year and the oblique got in the way … I don’t care who they are with, or are no longer with you. Whatever the circumstances, no doubt You feel it. That doesn’t make anyone feel good. “
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