Texas Rangers pitchers Nathan Eovaldi, Cody Bradford take big steps toward return to mound

ARLINGTON — Texas Rangers starting pitchers Nathan Eovaldi and Cody Bradford could both take significant steps in their return to the big league rotation this weekend.

Eovaldi threw a bullpen at Globe Life Field Tuesday — his second since he was placed on the injured list on May 29 with elbow inflammation — and will face hitters either Saturday or Sunday when the Rangers are in Pittsburgh if all goes well.

That will determine whether the 35-year-old is ready to pitch in a game. It’s just a matter of when and where. The Rangers have not yet determined whether Eovaldi will need to make a minor league rehab start before he returns to Texas’ rotation, though Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said there’s a “good chance” that his next start will be at the big league level.

Rangers

Bradford, who’s been sidelined since spring training with an elbow sprain, is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment this weekend. The 27-year-old came down with a fever Tuesday and could have his assignment pushed back “a day or two,” according to Bochy.

For reference, Bradford pitched in three rehab games — two starts and one relief appearance — last season after he was sidelined for more than three months with a back injury. He hasn’t pitched in a game this season since a March 6 exhibition vs. the San Diego Padres during spring training.

Right-handers Josh Sborz and Jon Gray are both further away but not by a significant margin. Sborz (shoulder surgery) will throw a bullpen Wednesday, and according to Bochy, will throw one more after that before he begins a rehab assignment. Gray (fractured wrist) will throw three more bullpens before he faces hitters.

Twitter: @McFarland_Shawn