Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi recovering from surgery for sports hernia

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 10th 2025 at 16:59 GMT by Associated Press

Boston Red Sox’s Workhorse Nathan Eovaldi Out With Hernia, Expected to Miss 10–14 Days

The Boston Red Sox’s veteran right‑hander Nathan Eovaldi has been placed on the 10‑day injured list after a hernia repair, a setback that forces the team to shuffle its starting rotation and bullpen in the weeks ahead. The 35‑year‑old, who has been a steady presence in the Sox’s rotation since his 2014 debut, was expected to start the club’s next series against the Washington Nationals, but the injury will sideline him through the end of July.

How the injury unfolded

Eovaldi was first listed on the 15‑day injured list in early June after a “lower abdominal strain” was identified. He returned to the mound a week later, starting on June 14 against the New York Yankees, but the strain flared up again after the game. On June 20, the team announced that he had undergone a minimally invasive laparoscopic hernia repair at the Boston Children’s Hospital. According to the medical report, the surgeon removed a herniated portion of his tissue and repaired the muscle wall, a procedure that typically requires a 10–14‑day recovery period for most patients.

“It’s a small, quick operation,” the team’s medical staff told the Associated Press. “We’re looking at a recovery window of roughly 10 to 14 days for Eovaldi. He’ll need a proper rehab plan to get back to full game‑ready fitness.” The Sox are hoping to keep the window as short as possible, but as a pitcher it is crucial that he rebuilds his arm’s strength and flexibility before resuming high‑velocity work.

Impact on the Sox’s rotation

Eovaldi has been a cornerstone of the Sox’s starting lineup for the past five seasons. In 2023 he finished 12–14 with a 4.07 ERA, and his presence has been credited with keeping the team’s rotation balanced after injuries to other starters. This year, the club has leaned on him to keep the offense afloat. In his last 20 appearances, Eovaldi posted a 3.52 ERA and struck out 96 batters over 98 innings, a performance that has helped the Sox maintain a respectable 11–10 record in his starts.

With him out, the Sox will rely on the remaining four starters: Garrett Whitlock, Michael Wacha, Nick Pivetta, and Chris Sale (who is still on the 10‑day IL). The team will also have to make a decision about the “fireman” role in the bullpen. “We’re going to have to elevate our bullpen depth,” said manager Alex Cora. “Eovaldi’s presence is huge, but we have to keep our guys ready.”

Reactions from the front office

Sox general manager Brian O’Halloran weighed in on the injury, noting that Eovaldi has always been “a workhorse and a team leader.” “We’re very proud of how he’s handled his previous injury this season and how he’s taken the time to recover properly,” O’Halloran said. “We have a lot of confidence in his ability to come back strong.”

Eovaldi himself was reportedly calm about the situation. A spokesperson for the player said he was “thankful for the care and support from the Sox medical team and the organization.” He added that he will stay active with a guided rehabilitation plan and that he is focused on a full return.

What’s next for the Sox?

The Red Sox are scheduled to host the Washington Nationals in a two‑game series on July 22 and 23. With Eovaldi on the injured list, the team will likely start Whitlock on the opening day, with Wacha or Pivetta following depending on workload and match‑ups. The Sox will also keep a close eye on their minor‑league options, as the club has had success promoting young arms when the rotation is thin.

In addition to the immediate scheduling concerns, the Sox are mindful of their overall postseason prospects. “We’re trying to keep our core arms healthy,” Cora said. “The roster depth is strong, but having someone like Eovaldi on the mound is a big advantage.”

Broader context

Eovaldi’s injury is not the first abdominal setback the Sox have faced this season. The club also lost pitcher Matt Riley to a right shoulder strain and has had to rely on a deep bullpen to cover. The hernia repair is a different kind of challenge, but the team’s medical staff and coaching staff have been praised for their careful handling of the situation.

According to the AP’s earlier coverage on the injury (“Red Sox’s Nathan Eovaldi out with hernia, will miss next starts”), the Sox’s front office emphasized the importance of a cautious return. The article linked to the earlier announcement of his injury diagnosis and highlighted the fact that Eovaldi had been a reliable option for the Sox in the past.

Bottom line

While Nathan Eovaldi’s hernia repair will temporarily leave a hole in the Red Sox’s starting rotation, the team is prepared to adapt. With a solid bullpen and a roster of capable starters, Boston will aim to keep the series against the Nationals competitive while working to get their veteran right‑hander back on the mound as soon as his recovery allows. Fans can expect updates on his progress and a hopeful return in the middle of August, when the Sox will be eager to rally for a postseason push.