SURPRISE, Ariz. – The Rangers’ early-camp injury woes aren’t limited to Sebastian Walcott.
Three young relievers with varying chances of helping the 2026 team are all limited to start camp with different injuries. As previously reported, right-hander Marc Church is not expected to pitch in games until the first week of March, halfway through camp, which likely takes him out of competition for an opening day bullpen spot.
On Thursday, President of Baseball Operations Chris Young said right-hander Emiliano Teodo, still recovering from back issues that hindered his 2025 season, is “a little bit behind” and will be ready to pitch right around the time the season begins.
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In addition, right-hander Izack Tiger, in minor league camp, said he had a minor setback in his return from 2025 elbow surgery that has pushed him back a bit. Tiger also is expected to be ready to face hitters right around the time camp breaks. Tiger wasn’t likely to make the major league roster, but there was hope he would be in position to fast-track through the system as a 25-year-old with a 100 mph fastball.
Also, Young revealed that veteran right-hander Nabil Crismatt, in camp on a minor league deal, suffered a torn UCL following his first bullpen of the spring and will undergo elbow surgery. He will miss the season. Crismatt, 31, had planned to pitch for Colombia in the World Baseball Classic and was a candidate as a depth option for long relief or spot starts.
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