Rangers Bring Back Josh Sborz on Minors Deal Amid Post-Injury Struggles

The Texas Rangers have brought back a familiar bullpen arm, re-signing right-handed reliever Josh Sborz to a minor league contract. The move comes shortly after he was released earlier in the week following an opt-out that briefly placed him back on the free-agent market.

Sborz, 32, returns to an organization where he has spent much of his major league career in recent years. His previous stint with Texas included multiple seasons from 2021 through 2024, during which he established himself as a depth option in the bullpen.

Over that span, Sborz posted a 4.86 ERA in 150 regular-season innings for the Rangers, while compiling a broader MLB résumé that includes 154 games, a 13-13 record, and nearly 200 strikeouts. His career has been defined by stretches of effectiveness mixed with inconsistency and injury setbacks.

The reunion offers both sides a low-risk opportunity, with the Rangers adding experienced bullpen depth while Sborz looks to rebuild momentum in a familiar environment.

1. Career Peaks Highlight Postseason Breakthrough

Sborz’s most notable impact came during the Rangers’ 2023 postseason run, where he emerged as a key bullpen contributor. Across 10 appearances and 12 innings, he delivered a dominant 0.75 ERA while striking out 13 batters and walking just four. His postseason reliability extended throughout Texas’ championship push, as he provided 12 innings of one-run relief that helped stabilize late-game situations. His ability to handle high-leverage innings became a defining factor in the team’s playoff success. The highlight of his postseason came in the World Series, where he threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings to close out Game 5 at Chase Field. That performance secured the championship and cemented his role in franchise history. For a player whose regular-season consistency had often fluctuated, the postseason run represented a peak moment in his career and showcased his ability to perform under pressure.

2. Injuries Disrupt Career Momentum

Following that championship run, Sborz’s trajectory was significantly impacted by injuries. He was limited to just 16 2/3 innings in 2024, and the following season was lost entirely due to shoulder surgery and a difficult rehabilitation process. The recovery period included setbacks that affected his velocity and delayed his return to full strength. Those physical challenges halted the momentum he had built during the Rangers’ title run. Even after returning to health this season, Sborz struggled to secure a major league roster spot. His performance at Triple-A Round Rock reflected inconsistency on the mound, as he allowed 13 runs in 14 1/3 innings despite recording 17 strikeouts. Control issues and home run susceptibility remained concerns, with nine walks issued and six long balls allowed. Those struggles ultimately prevented him from breaking through at the big league level.

3. Ongoing Mechanical Adjustments and Reset

In an effort to address his inconsistency, Sborz temporarily stepped away from game action earlier in the season to work on mechanical adjustments. The break was intended to help him regain command and rediscover the form that made him effective during the 2023 playoff run. He later returned briefly to Double-A before rejoining Triple-A Round Rock on May 27. However, his struggles persisted, including a recent outing in which he allowed five hits over two innings. Despite the uneven results, the Rangers are offering him another opportunity within the organization. The minor league deal gives him a chance to refine his mechanics without immediate major league pressure. For Texas, the move adds experienced depth to its pitching system, while for Sborz it represents another chance to reset and work his way back toward contributing at the highest level.