Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi is set to continue his remarkable 2025 season as he faces the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night in Arlington. This interleague matchup marks the first game in a crucial three-game series for the Rangers, who are seeking to regain momentum after a challenging start to their homestand.
Eovaldi, boasting an impressive 10-3 record and a 1.38 ERA, will square off against Arizona’s right-hander Ryne Nelson, who holds a 6-3 record with a 3.20 ERA. The game carries added significance as the Rangers work to bounce back following a sweep by Philadelphia and four consecutive losses.
Recent Team Performances and Series Context
The Rangers entered Monday’s game with a 2-4 mark over the first six games of their nine-game home stretch after losing 4-2 to Philadelphia on Sunday. In contrast, the Diamondbacks arrive in Arlington energized after sweeping the Colorado Rockies in a three-game home series, ending with a 13-6 victory on Sunday. Arizona begins a seven-game road trip with this series, which will conclude with four more contests against Colorado.
Eovaldi’s Dominance and Historic Pitching Feats
At 35 years old, Eovaldi has delivered dominant performances for Texas throughout the season. His latest outing was a commanding 2-0 shutout against the New York Yankees where he pitched eight one-hit innings, striking out six without allowing a walk. He has now won six consecutive starts, significantly lowering his ERA from 1.87 to 1.38 during that stretch.
His run prevention is among the best in Major League Baseball, although he currently falls just short of the innings pitched qualification for the ERA title due to a month-long absence caused by a right triceps injury. Since June 27, Eovaldi has permitted only three total runs, two of which were earned, across an impressive 14-start span. His performance places him alongside St. Louis Cardinals legend Bob Gibson as the only modern-era pitchers to allow one run or fewer in at least 13 starts within a 14-game period.
Insights from Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy on Eovaldi’s Craft
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy praised Eovaldi’s exceptional skills, describing him as a master of pitching art. He highlighted Eovaldi’s ability to command four different pitches with precision and adapt quickly to hitters during games. Bochy remarked,
“He’s just an artist out there,”
and added,
“His pitchability, his command, his focus, the way he reads swings, he can adjust on the fly, all those things. You’ve got four pitches with command of all of them that he can throw anytime. That’s why he’s having so much success.”
Bochy summed up Eovaldi’s impact by stating,
“I don’t know what else to say about him. He’s fun to watch. You’re seeing pitching at his finest when he’s out there.”
Eovaldi’s Track Record Against the Diamondbacks
Across 10 career appearances (seven starts) against Arizona, Eovaldi has posted a 3-1 record with a 3.57 ERA over 40 1/3 innings. His most recent outing versus the Diamondbacks occurred on September 10, 2024, when he allowed four runs on seven hits in five innings, resulting in a 6-0 loss. Notably, his last win against this opponent came five years ago while pitching for the New York Yankees.
Arizona’s Ryne Nelson Aiming to Strengthen as a Starter
Arizona right-hander Ryne Nelson has appeared in 24 games this season, including 14 starts. He has been the Diamondbacks’ consistent starter in the rotation during the past 11 consecutive games. Although his recent three starts have not resulted in a win (0-1 record), Nelson has allowed only six runs (three earned) across 17 innings.
In his latest start on Tuesday, Nelson pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on six hits in a 10-5 loss to San Diego that extended to 11 innings. That outing marked his season-high for pitches thrown, totaling 100, as the team carefully manages his workload to build endurance. Nelson expressed his support for the team’s cautious strategy:
“I’m fully on board with what they’re doing,”
Nelson said.
“I was surprised to get to 100. I know they’re looking out for me and my future and my health. Whatever decisions they make, I’m on board with.”
Nelson’s History Against Texas and Outlook for the Series
Nelson has faced the Rangers once before, in a start on May 29, 2024, where he struggled, giving up four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out three over six innings, resulting in a 6-1 loss. Both pitchers enter Monday’s game with distinct motivations: Eovaldi aims to extend his recent dominance and lift the Rangers out of their slump, while Nelson seeks to maintain his developmental progress and help the Diamondbacks start their road trip on a strong note.
Implications of the Matchup for Rangers and Diamondbacks
This Monday game will provide a significant test of the Rangers’ pitching strength, particularly Nathan Eovaldi’s ability to sustain his historic run. A strong outing could help Texas halt their losing skid and regain confidence at home. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks look to build upon their momentum from a successful home sweep and establish early success during their extended road trip.
The matchup between Eovaldi and Nelson, two talented right-handers at different stages of season form, encapsulates the intensity and competitive spirit of this interleague series, making it a must-watch for fans aiming to see high-level pitching and strategic gameplay unfold in Arlington.