ARLINGTON, Texas — Robert Garcia got back in front of hitters Wednesday at Globe Life Field, throwing live batting practice as he works back from left rotator cuff inflammation. His next step should come Saturday. Drew Davison of MLB.com reported that Garcia is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment then.
Garcia faced three Texas Rangers hitters in the session: Nicky Lopez, Josh Jung, and Kyle Higashioka. Jung has been on the 10-day injured list since July 25 with a left calf strain. Higashioka went on the 10-day list on July 21 with a right flexor strain.
Texas wants Garcia to make two or three rehab appearances before bringing him back.
Garcia’s word for the session was “great.”
“Honestly, it felt good to be back,” Garcia said. “It felt normal.”
“It was hard for me to sleep last night, because I was just excited to get out there. … I accomplished everything I needed to accomplish,” Garcia continued.
April 16 was Garcia’s last game for Texas. He entered against the Athletics, retired the one hitter he faced, and the Rangers went on to win 9-6. A week later, Texas placed him on the 15-day injured list with left rotator cuff inflammation, retroactive to April 20. He moved to the 60-day injured list May 31. His eventual return will also require Texas to make room for him on the 40-man roster.
Active rosters went from 26 players to 28 on Sept. 1. The extra room also lets clubs carry a 14th pitcher instead of being capped at 13.
Skip Schumaker made clear that health comes before anything Garcia might give the Rangers on the mound.
“We want him back, obviously. We want his health, that part is obviously most important, but we need him to produce,” Schumaker said. “So, it’s not just about getting back, but helping us win games.”
Robert Garcia’s Numbers Before The Injury
Garcia made nine relief appearances before the injury and went 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA. In 8 innings, he gave up 5 hits and 3 earned runs, with 7 walks and 6 strikeouts. Left-handed batters are still looking for their first hit against him this season. They are 0-for-13.
Last year was Garcia’s first with the Rangers. He appeared 71 times, covering 64 innings, and finished 4-8 with a 2.95 ERA, 9 saves, and 68 strikeouts. He opened this season in a closer committee.
The Rangers acquired Garcia from the Washington Nationals in December 2024 for Nathaniel Lowe. He pitched in a career-high 72 games for Washington in 2024. Across four seasons with the Miami Marlins, Washington, and Texas, Garcia is 9-17 with a 3.57 ERA, 9 saves, and 182 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings over 177 appearances, all in relief.
Kansas City took Garcia in the 15th round in 2017, using the 450th pick on the UC Davis left-hander. He turned 30 in June. Garcia entered this year before arbitration, with eligibility coming in 2027. Texas can keep him under club control through 2029.
Carter Baumler’s Rehab Assignment At Round Rock
Carter Baumler threw a scoreless inning for Triple-A Round Rock on Monday to open a rehab assignment, facing Albuquerque. The right-hander has been out since April 5 with a right intercostal strain. His move to the injured list that day was the Rangers’ first roster transaction of 2026.
Baumler and Garcia were in Arizona together last week, throwing bullpens and getting work against hitters. Baumler was the first of the two to get into a game. Garcia is expected to do the same Saturday.
Round Rock’s regular season ends Sept. 20.
Texas dropped Wednesday’s series finale to the Athletics 9-2 at Globe Life Field. The Rangers are 69-71, second in the American League West and 1.5 games behind the Houston Astros. The Tampa Bay Rays come to Arlington on Thursday to begin a four-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.
