Tyler Mahle is entering the new season in much better health than he left off in 2024. After undergoing Tommy John surgery and then dealing with a shoulder issue last summer, he’s made mechanical tweaks in the offseason that the Rangers believe have addressed the problems in his shoulder. Team officials say he’s come into spring training with no restrictions or limitations—something both sides are encouraged by.
The expectations are high: Texas sees him as a key piece of a loaded rotation. When healthy, Mahle has shown he can be more than just a middle‑starter; his 2021 season with Cincinnati (33 starts, 180 innings, over 200 strikeouts) remains the benchmark for what the club hopes he can approach again. There is an understanding, though, that any shoulder issues moving forward will be treated with caution.
Mahle’s 2025 campaign got off to a strong start. Before his latest injury, he made 14 starts with a record of 6‑3 and put up a 2.34 ERA over 77 innings, showing he could contribute at a high level. But in mid‑June, shoulder fatigue forced him to the injured list. That was the beginning of a more serious concern.
As the season went on, the diagnosis was refined: the fatigue was linked to a rotator cuff strain, and in early July Mahle was shifted to the 60‑day injured list. That officially ruled him out through at least the trade deadline, and the Rangers have been taking things slow in his recovery process.
In terms of his rehab timeline, things appear promising but cautious. After the All‑Star break, Mahle was cleared to begin a throwing program and has gradually increased his throwing distance. He’s been doing catch work, then progressing toward mound throwing and shouldered bullpen sessions, then simulated games or minor‑league rehab starts. As of early August, his return was still a few weeks away—late August or early September seems feasible if everything goes smoothly.
The rotation in Texas is deep but fragile. Injuries have been an issue across the board—Jacob deGrom, Jon Gray, Cody Bradford, Nathan Eovaldi have all missed time. Mahle’s return, when it happens, could help stabilize the staff, lessen the burden on the bullpen, and allow the team more flexibility in how they use their starters.
That said, there are still risks. While Mahle seems physically healthy, performance metrics suggest there was some regression looming. His secondary numbers (like SIERA, BABIP, strand rate) weren’t always as rosy as his ERA during his strong start. + There’s also the possibility that he might not be stretched out enough to return as a fully capable starting pitcher right away, especially given time lost this season. In that scenario, there has been talk of using him in relief or in a mixed role depending on how his rehab progresses.
Overall, Mahle’s return is being viewed as pivotal. If he can come back healthy, maintain velocity, avoid setbacks, and deliver close to his early‑season form, he could significantly boost the Rangers down the stretch. But it’s still a wait‑and‑see situation; careful management of his workload will be key.
