Rangers' Nathan Eovaldi 'feels really good' after spring debut despite uneven results

The veteran right-hander allowed three runs in two innings but is confident he'll get his signature splitter back on track.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 11:23pm

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Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi made his Cactus League debut on Friday, allowing three runs in two innings of work against the Kansas City Royals. Despite the uneven results, Eovaldi said he 'feels really good' physically after an injury-riddled 2025 season that saw him miss time with a rotator cuff strain and undergo an offseason procedure. Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said the team is focused on getting Eovaldi through a full season, as the 36-year-old is a key part of their rotation.

Why it matters

Eovaldi was the Rangers' staff leader before missing two months last season due to multiple injuries. His return to full health is crucial for the team's pitching staff and playoff aspirations in 2026.

The details

Eovaldi surrendered a 441-foot home run to Royals catcher Salvador Perez and a two-run shot to outfielder Michael Massey in the second inning, with Massey's ball potentially aided by the wind. Eovaldi said his signature splitter pitch has been 'a little inconsistent' but he has time to get it right before the regular season.

  • Eovaldi made his Cactus League debut on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Eovaldi missed two months last season with a rotator cuff strain and underwent an offseason procedure.

The players

Nathan Eovaldi

A 36-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Texas Rangers who is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Skip Schumaker

The manager of the Texas Rangers, who said the team is focused on getting Eovaldi through a full season in 2026.

Salvador Perez

The Kansas City Royals catcher who hit a 441-foot home run off of Eovaldi in the second inning.

Michael Massey

The Kansas City Royals outfielder who hit a two-run home run off of Eovaldi in the second inning.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing is affecting me. I feel really good. Body-wise, stuff in the weight room, everything feels really good. I'm essentially back to where I was before.”

— Nathan Eovaldi (dallasnews.com)

“He's healthy and ready to go. He's one that you definitely don't need to push. He's wired differently. Ultimate teammate, ultimate competitor, and getting him through a full season is what we're trying to get to.”

— Skip Schumaker, Rangers manager (dallasnews.com)

“I feel like that pitch has been a little inconsistent right now. But I've got a lot of time to get that pitch right.”

— Nathan Eovaldi (dallasnews.com)

What’s next

The Rangers will continue to monitor Eovaldi's progress and work on getting his splitter back on track as he prepares for the 2026 regular season.

The takeaway

Eovaldi's return to full health is crucial for the Rangers' pitching staff and playoff aspirations, despite the uneven results in his spring debut. The team is focused on getting him through a full season, and Eovaldi is confident he can get his signature splitter back on track with more time in camp.