Rangers Silence A’s 2–1 Behind Jon Gray’s Clutch Outing

By Oliver Wiener July 25, 2025 09:23

On July 23, 2025, the Texas Rangers secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field, powered by a clutch relief performance from right-hander Jon Gray in his season debut. After a lengthy recovery from a fractured forearm sustained during spring training, Gray delivered two scoreless innings that preserved the lead and sealed the Rangers’ sweep of the series, underscoring his return as a vital bullpen weapon.

Gray entered the game in a high-pressure situation in the sixth inning, following starter Patrick Corbin, who had kept the A’s off the scoreboard through five innings but left with runners on base and the score tied 1-1. Facing runners on the corners with two outs, Gray confronted a potential rally but escaped unscathed thanks to a leaping catch at the wall on a deep fly ball by Tyler Soderstrom. He then settled into a rhythm, allowing just one hit across the final two innings, striking out a key batter and maintaining composure throughout his outing.

Reflecting on his return, Gray said, “It was just really intense. The energy in the bullpen is so different from the minors, but I just focused on staying calm, trusting my stuff, and helping the team. The first pitches weren’t perfect, but I found my groove and it was fun to be back out there.” This marked Gray’s first Major League appearance since March, since when he had undergone extensive rehab from the forearm injury and additional offseason surgery for a foot neuroma.

The Rangers’ offense did just enough to support Gray’s effort. Corey Seager provided the key blow with a 3-2 fastball over the center field wall in the third inning for his 15th home run of the season, giving Texas an early 1-0 lead. The Athletics responded in the sixth when Nick Kurtz doubled to right field, allowing Brent Rooker to score and even the game at 1-1. However, the Rangers regained the lead in the seventh inning on a bloop double by Jonah Heim that dropped in shallow left field, scoring Wyatt Langford from first base and putting Texas ahead 2-1.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy praised Gray’s impact and resilience: “To have Jon come back and pitch like that in a tight game, especially after what he’s been through, was huge for us. We put him right into a tough spot and he handled it like a pro. That kind of pitching late in the game is exactly what we need.” The Rangers bullpen held firm after Gray’s exit, with Robert Garcia closing out the game for his eighth save.

Texas improved to 53-50 with the win, continuing their strong home record at 31-20 and solidifying their competitive position in the AL playoff race. In contrast, Oakland fell to 42-62, still searching for consistency in a rebuilding season.

This victory extended a remarkable streak for the Rangers’ pitching staff, highlighting their dominance with seven straight games allowing two runs or fewer tying a franchise record set in 1983. Gray’s return adds a critical piece to a pitching corps that has been among the best in the league this season and is poised to make a late-season push.

With Saturday’s scheduled start by Nathan Eovaldi, the Rangers hope Gray can continue to contribute, either from the bullpen or eventually back in the rotation as he regains full strength.