The Texas Rangers had revamped their roster during the offseason. Although they were clearly rebuilding, the hope was that they would be able to find some pieces that they could build around, helping to expedite the process. Kohei Arihara was one of those players, a solid pitcher in Japan who was making the jump to the majors.
Those hopes will be delayed, potentially until next season. Arihara will be undergoing shoulder surgery to repair an aneurysm that had been found earlier this week, and will not throw for 12 weeks.
#Rangers RHP Kohei Arihara will need shoulder surgery due to repair an aneurysm that was found this week. He will go 12 weeks without throwing.
— Chris Halicke (@ChrisHalicke) May 22, 2021
It's unclear if he will pitch again this season, but Arihara's health is obviously paramount. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Texas Rangers lose key piece in Kohei Arihara
Although he was not a star in Japan, Arihara was a solid enough piece. He had posted a solid 60-50 record with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.209 WHiP in his 836 innings, striking out 626 batters with 194 walks. The Rangers hoped that production would allow him to be a solid middle of the rotation arm in the majors, potentially a piece they could have as a long term option.
He had not lived up to those expectations early in his major league career. Arihara had posted a 6.59 ERA and a 1.535 WHiP over his 28.2 innings, striking out 17 batters with 12 walks. Considering the nature of his shoulder woes, it is entirely possible that his limited effectiveness is due to the aneurysm.
The Rangers still do not quite know what they have in Arihara as well. His performance this year can almost be disregarded due to his shoulder surgery, making the 2022 season all the more interesting. As he would be entering the final year of his two year contract, the Rangers will hope to get something out of him to make the deal worthwhile.
On the positive side, Arihara should make a full recovery. This would allow him to be able to spend the offseason rebuilding his strength and endurance, allowing him to be ready once spring training rolls around in 2022. Although he could return for this season, there is no point in the Rangers rushing him back for the final week or two of this year.
Kohei Arihara is set to undergo surgery to repair an aneurysm in his shoulder. The Texas Rangers pitcher should make a complete recovery and be healthy for 2022.