Texas Rangers Pitcher Cal Quantrill Sidelined With Lat Injury

Quantrill heads to injured list

The American League West leading Texas Rangers have placed right handed pitcher Cal Quantrill on the 15 day injured list. This decision came on Sunday, just one day after the pitcher had to leave Saturday's game.

Quantrill managed to face only four batters and throw 12 pitches before exiting due to tightness in his right lat. To fill his spot, the Rangers recalled right hander Winston Santos from Triple A Round Rock. Santos joined the team right before the final game of their three game series against Toronto.

The team also had to make a late change to Sunday's lineup. Right fielder Brandon Nimmo was scratched from the starting lineup due to an illness.

A tough blow after strong performances

Manager Skip Schumaker admitted that the team knew Quantrill had lower velocity before Saturday's game started. Despite this, Schumaker said Quantrill showed no signs of pain on the mound. Schumaker, pitching coach Jordan Tiegs, and head trainer Matt Lucero visited the mound in the second inning before taking him out.

This is not the first physical issue Quantrill has faced recently. He also left his previous start against Arizona last Sunday after six innings and 70 pitches due to back soreness.

This injury is a setback for both the player and the team. Quantrill has a 9-5 record and a 2.86 ERA in 32 games this season. He joined the Rangers on a minor league deal during spring training and has been excellent lately. Over his last 11 appearances, he has a 1.75 ERA. Only Cam Schlittler of the New York Yankees has a better ERA in that same span.

Santos gets another opportunity

With Quantrill out, Winston Santos gets another opportunity in the major leagues. This is his third stint with the Rangers this season. His only game so far was his major league debut on July 1 against Cleveland, where he gave up two runs in two innings.

Santos has been performing well in the minor leagues. He has recorded 103 strikeouts in 83 and a third innings this season. The Rangers will hope he can bring that strikeout power to the big leagues during Quantrill's absence.