The Texas Rangers have welcomed back a major piece of their bullpen, activating right-hander from the 15-day injured list ahead of Saturday’s matchup with the Athletics.
Junis had been unavailable since late July after suffering a left adductor strain. The Rangers placed him on the IL on July 30, retroactive to July 29, and he missed 15 games during his absence without needing a minor league rehab assignment.
The veteran reliever has been one of Texas’ most dependable arms in his first season with the organization. Junis enters his return with a 1-1 record, five saves, a team-best 14 holds and a 2.70 ERA across 36 appearances, including one start.
The 33-year-old has also posted strong strikeout numbers, recording 30 punchouts while allowing just seven walks over 40 innings. The Rangers have been especially successful when he takes the mound, going 28-8 in games where Junis has appeared.
This is the second time this season Junis has landed on the injured list. Earlier in July, he missed 11 games because of a right hip impingement before returning to action.
To clear a roster spot for Junis, Texas designated left-hander Marco Gonzales for assignment.
Gonzales, 34, had only been recalled from Triple-A Round Rock one day earlier and made an immediate impact, inducing a one-pitch double-play grounder against Oakland. During two separate stints with the Rangers this season, he appeared in three relief outings, surrendering one earned run over 6 2/3 innings for a 1.35 ERA while picking up one save.