The Texas Rangers got a timely bullpen boost Tuesday as they activated right-handed reliever Peyton Gray from the 15-day injured list and sent right-hander Adam Macko back to Triple-A Round Rock, where his season ended Sunday.
Gray had been sidelined since Aug. 31 because of right elbow inflammation. The rookie, who debuted in late April, had become a steady presence in the Rangers’ bullpen before the injury. Even with six games left, Texas is moving ahead without any rehab outings showing up on Gray’s MiLB.com page or transaction log, a sign the club is comfortable with where he stands after bullpen work and side sessions.
That’s a welcome development for a Rangers team that needs dependable arms down the stretch. Texas opens a three-game set with the New York Mets on Tuesday, then finishes the road slate in Minnesota starting Friday. The Rangers can clinch the AL West as early as Thursday and enter the day off Monday with a one-game lead over the Houston Astros.
Gray’s value has been built on reliability. He was especially useful in lower-pressure spots, giving Texas a bridge into the late innings.
In 48 games, he went 6-0 with a 3.93 ERA, collecting eight holds and allowing batters to hit .251 against him. He also struck out 58 and walked 16 in 55 innings, with no saves in two chances.
His rise has been one of the Rangers’ better stories this season. Gray began his pro career in 2018 with the Colorado Rockies after going undrafted out of Florida Gulf Coast University. COVID-19 and a major injury cost him development time, and his path eventually took him to the Mexican League and through two other MLB organizations before he landed with Texas in 2025.
The Rangers noticed him last year after he posted an 8-6 record and a 3.58 ERA for Triple-A Round Rock. In 73 innings for the Express, he struck out 89 and walked 27.
Macko, acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the deadline deal for infielder Josh Smith, was up with Texas for eight games. He didn’t factor into a decision and finished with a 6.00 ERA, nine strikeouts and four walks in nine innings.
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