Corey Kluber pulled from first outing as Ranger and only start in 15 months

Corey Kluber’s first outing as a Texas Ranger didn’t go as planned

The former Cy Young Award winner’s much-anticipated debut was cut short thanks to shoulder tightness. Kluber, who was acquired this offseason from the Cleveland Indians, hadn’t pitched in 15 months since May 1 of last year when his forearm was broken by a comebacker to the mound.

The Rangers are considered a dark horse AL West playoff team by some, and Kluber’s expected to play a major role in that resurgence, should it occur. Yet, 18 pitches in, he suffered another setback. This is the second such time Kluber’s been close to making a full comeback, as he suffered an oblique injury last August in his return from the original forearm break.

Kluber exited the game after just 18 pitches

Kluber finished top-3 in AL Cy Young voting in four out of five seasons from 2014-18, and won the award in 2014 and 2017. Should he return to any semblance of that form, the Rangers would be getting an ace they can truly rely on in what’s expected to be a bizarre season for all 30 teams.

Without their ace Kluber, the Rangers will rely heavily upon Mike Minor and Lance Lynn, among others. Texas originally acquired Kluber’s services for the relatively affordable price of outfielder Delino DeShields and reliever Emmanuel Clase.

Kluber will undergo further examination on Monday, and we’ll have more information available at that time.