Rangers’ Josh Sborz Faces New Hurdles in Return from Shoulder Surgery – Breaking MLB News
ARLINGTON, TX – Texas Rangers fans hoping to see closer Josh Sborz back on the mound soon are facing a bit more uncertainty. The right-handed reliever is experiencing setbacks in his rehabilitation from offseason shoulder surgery, raising questions about his timeline for a return to the major league roster. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is providing the latest updates as they become available. This breaking news impacts the Rangers’ bullpen strategy and adds another layer of complexity to their playoff push.
Bochy Cites Need for More Consistent Performance
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy recently addressed Sborz’s progress, emphasizing the need for further evaluation. “We would like to see him go up and down, maybe even for more innings,” Bochy stated. “Some boxes must be checked before he’s ready to return.” This suggests the team isn’t looking for just a few good outings; they need to see sustained, consistent performance before entrusting Sborz with high-leverage situations. The Rangers are being cautious, a smart move given Sborz’s crucial role in their 2023 World Series victory, where he closed out Game 5.
Rehab Assignments Reveal Struggles
Sborz’s recent appearances with the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders haven’t inspired confidence. In his most recent outing on Friday against the Las Vegas Aviators, he allowed a run while struggling with control, issuing two walks and recording only one out. Prior to that, on July 12th with the Express, he pitched just two-thirds of an inning, giving up two hits and another walk. These struggles highlight the challenges of regaining form and confidence after a significant injury. It’s a common hurdle for pitchers returning from shoulder surgery – the mental aspect of trusting the arm again is often as difficult as the physical recovery.
A Long Road Back: The Mental and Physical Challenges
Sborz himself has acknowledged the difficulty of the recovery process. “You deal with a year and a half and somehow you stay on you,” he reflected, speaking to the mental fortitude required to overcome such a lengthy rehabilitation. Shoulder surgery for pitchers is notoriously complex, requiring not only physical therapy but also a significant mental reset. Rebuilding arm strength and regaining pinpoint accuracy takes time and dedication. Interestingly, Sborz has reported positive signs with his fastball velocity, consistently exceeding 90 mph, and satisfaction with his curveball. However, his slider is still lagging slightly in terms of speed.
Josh Sborz: A Career Overview & Impact on the Rangers
Sborz joined the Rangers in 2021 via a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he began his MLB career in 2019. Over 154 career games, he’s accumulated a 4.96 ERA with 193 strikeouts in 163.1 innings pitched. His role as a key member of the 2023 World Series-winning team, particularly his clutch performance in closing out Game 5, underscores his importance to the Rangers’ success. The team is undoubtedly eager to have him back at full strength, but they’re prioritizing a complete and sustainable recovery over a rushed return. Understanding the nuances of pitcher recovery is crucial for fans – it’s not simply about throwing harder; it’s about building endurance, regaining command, and, crucially, trusting the arm again.
The Rangers will continue to monitor Sborz’s progress closely, and further updates will be provided as they become available. For the latest MLB news, injury reports, and in-depth analysis, stay tuned to archyde.com – your source for comprehensive sports coverage. Keep checking back for updates on Sborz’s journey back to the mound and how it impacts the Rangers’ postseason aspirations.
