The Texas Rangers got a bit of bad news on Sunday when they found out that first baseman Joey Gallo’s oblique injury would, in fact, require a stint on the injured list.
It’s tough news for Texas, which will certainly miss Gallo’s slugging ability in the heart of their lineup during his absence.
Gallo has been Texas’s main offensive force this season. He is off to a monster start to the season, batting .276 with 17 home runs and 41 RBIs.
Gallo’s 17 home runs through the end of May are good for the 6th-highest total in all of baseball.
The IL stint at this point in the season is especially frustrating for Gallo and the Rangers considering just how hot the first baseman had been. Gallo, a career .213 hitter, had been making more contact and getting more hits than at any other point in his career.
On top of that, oblique strains are notoriously difficult to heal and can require long stints on the injured list. Texas will simply have to wait and see to find out how long they’ll be without their slugger.
The Rangers called up speedy outfielder Delino DeShields to replace Gallo on the active roster.
