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Rangers Activate Jakob Junis, Designate Marco Gonzales for Assignment
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- Rangers Activate Jakob Junis, Designate Marco Gonzales for Assignment
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Texas Rangers made a change to their pitching staff Saturday, activating right-hander Jakob Junis from the 15-day Injured List while designating left-hander Marco Gonzales for assignment.
Junis returns to the Rangers after missing time with his injury and will take Gonzales' spot on the active roster. The move leaves Texas with 39 players on its 40-man roster.
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Gonzales had only just returned to the major leagues after the Rangers selected his contract Friday. His appearance against the Athletics ended up being extremely brief, as he entered in the eighth inning with Texas trailing by five runs.
The veteran left-hander needed just one pitch to record two outs. He induced a ground ball from Lawrence Butler that resulted in a double play, ending the inning and his outing.
Despite the efficient appearance, Gonzales is once again off the Rangers' 40-man roster.
This is the second time Texas has designated Gonzales for assignment this season. The Rangers previously removed him from the roster in late July after he made two appearances. He cleared waivers and elected free agency before eventually returning to the organization on another minor league contract.
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There is a possibility that the same process could play out again, allowing Gonzales to remain with Texas if he clears waivers.
Gonzales made his return to the major leagues this season after spending all of 2025 recovering from elbow surgery. During his first stint with the Rangers, he allowed one earned run across six innings.
However, his work at Triple-A has been more difficult. Between stops with the San Diego Padres and Rangers organizations this season, Gonzales struggled to find consistency while trying to work his way back into major league form.
The Rangers have needed additional pitching depth recently because of injuries to Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom . Eovaldi is currently on the 15-day Injured List, while deGrom is dealing with a triceps issue that could affect his next scheduled start.
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Texas also recently activated Jordan Montgomery from the 60-day Injured List. Montgomery covered two innings after deGrom exited early Thursday and could become an option for the rotation if the Rangers need another starter.
With Junis now back, Texas gets an important bullpen piece during a challenging stretch.
Junis has been one of the Rangers' most dependable relievers this season, leading the team with 14 holds while also recording five saves. His return gives Texas another experienced arm to use in important situations.
The Rangers will hope Junis can provide stability to a bullpen that has leaned heavily on its available relievers throughout the season.
