Cleveland's biggest storyline is the one missing from their lineup. Jose Ramirez had hamate bone surgery on June 16 — the same procedure he went through back in 2019 on his right hand — and is expected out 5 to 7 weeks, targeting a return around or just after the All-Star break. That's the best hitter in the organization, gone for the foreseeable future. Messick has been the counterweight keeping the Guardians afloat. His last start against the White Sox went 7.2 innings, 10 strikeouts, 2 earned runs on 3 hits — and he lost 2-1 because the offense left him out to dry. He's 7-4 despite that kind of run support, building a legitimate AL Rookie of the Year case. The Texas lineup he faces tonight is also missing Wyatt Langford (hamstring) and Cody Freeman (herniated disc), which only shortens the odds further.
- Day-To-DaySebastian Walcott (SS) — Walcott (elbow) will begin to ramp up his activity soon and is still on track for a late-July or early-August return to a minor-league affiliate, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.06/17
- 10-Day-ILWyatt Langford (LF) — Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said Sunday that Langford (hamstring) will remain on the 10-day injured list through the All-Star break, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.06/28
- 10-Day-ILCody Freeman (3B) — The Rangers placed Freeman on the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a herniated disc.06/25
- 10-Day-ILDanny Jansen (C) — Jansen (forearm) was able to throw out to 60 feet Saturday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.06/22
- 15-Day-ILChris Martin (RP) — Martin (shoulder) was sent to Double-A Frisco on Sunday to begin a rehab assignment.06/28
- 15-Day-ILJack Leiter (SP) — Leiter underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a loose body from his right ankle region Tuesday and should be considered out indefinitely, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.06/23
- 15-Day-ILJalen Beeks (RP) — Beeks (2-1) earned the win in relief Saturday against the Cubs after tossing 1.1 scoreless innings. He struck out one with no hits or walks allowed.06/11
- OutDeclan Cronin (RP) — Cronin (elbow) signed a two-year, minor-league contract with the Rangers on Tuesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.05/08
- OutNabil Crismatt (SP) — Crismatt will undergo surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right elbow, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.05/08
- 60-Day-ILJordan Montgomery (SP) — Montgomery (elbow) struck out three over two perfect innings in a rehab start Saturday with Double-A Frisco.06/29
- 60-Day-ILMichael Helman (CF) — Texas transferred Helman (hand) to the 60-day injured list Friday.06/19
- 60-Day-ILRobert Garcia (RP) — The Rangers transferred Garcia (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.06/01
- 60-Day-ILCarter Baumler (RP) — Baumler (intercostal) has been shut down from his rehab assignment, MLB.com reports.05/23
- 60-Day-ILCody Bradford (SP) — Bradford (elbow) began throwing from 60 feet during the Rangers' most recent homestand, MLB.com reports05/10
- Day-To-DayTanner Burns (SP) — no06/17
- Day-To-DayCarlos Hernandez (RP) — Hernandez (shoulder) began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Friday.05/08
- 10-Day-ILAngel Martinez (LF) — Martinez (foot) has shed his walking boot, is playing catch and hitting off a batting tee, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.06/28
- 10-Day-ILJose Ramirez (3B) — Ramirez underwent surgery to address the hamate bone fracture in his left hand Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined 5-to-7 weeks, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.06/16
Texas comes in riding 4 straight wins with real momentum — reaching even after a rough stretch is no small thing. But momentum does not spot-start Tyler Alexander for 6 innings against a home lineup in Cleveland. The Guardians are 44-40 and playing competitive baseball without their best player, which says something about how deep this roster runs. The Rangers have a live bullpen and have proven they can stay in games. Staying in this one against Messick is the task. Getting through it would take more than momentum.