Rangers' Jacob Latz Leaves Nationals Bullpen Game With Potential Injury

The Texas Rangers opted for a bullpen game against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, with left-handed reliever Jacob Latz making his first official start of the season. Latz, known primarily as a reliever, had a strong 2025 season so far with a 2.95 ERA and 20 strikeouts over 18.1 innings, and had shown recent effectiveness with seven consecutive scoreless innings. Despite the unconventional choice, the Rangers aimed to preserve their bullpen for upcoming games, pushing back starter Tyler Mahle’s next turn. During the game, Latz was performing well until the fourth inning when he walked a batter and was subsequently removed from the game without a public explanation, raising injury concerns. Manager Bruce Bochy and the coaching staff utilized several relievers to cover the remaining innings, with the decision reflecting ongoing pitching challenges and strategic bullpen management. The Nationals, struggling offensively this season, faced a tough matchup against the Rangers’ bullpen strategy.