ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers are set to open a three-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field on Monday night. But, before the game even started, the club suffered a tough blow.

Nathan Eovaldi, who was scheduled to start the series opener against Arizona, was scratched due to left side tightness.

While meeting with the media before the game, Rangers manager Skip Schumaker discussed the situation, saying that you “never like to see left side tightness from any player.”

Schumaker went on to say that Eovaldi felt the tightness this morning and reported it to the club on Monday.

The Rangers are awaiting further testing on the injury to determine the extent of the injury and whether Eovaldi will need a stint on the Injured List.

As for Monday night’s game, the Rangers will be tasked with implementing a bullpen game as they look to take the series opener with Arizona.

Jakob Junis will serve as the Rangers' opener, and Schumaker said you shouldn’t expect him to go more than two innings.

As for who else is available in the bullpen, Schumaker said that he’s “not going to say anyone is unavailable.”

However, it does seem that the Rangers would like to stay away from Jacob Latz if possible, given that he threw a pair of innings in Sunday afternoon’s win.

In other injury news, Rangers second baseman Josh Smith suffered a setback while working his way back from a right glute injury.

Smith experienced some wrist inflammation, but the Rangers hope he will only be set back by a couple of days.

In the meantime, they will no doubt be fine continuing to give Ezequiel Duran reps at second base after his hot run at the plate.

The Rangers also provided updates on two of their relievers who are continuing to work their way back from injuries.

Robert Garcia played catch from 90 feet on Monday afternoon as he continues his rehab progression.

Additionally, veteran Chris Martin is expected to go out on a rehab assignment soon and hopefully will be back sooner rather than later.

As for Monday night, the Rangers will have to navigate this game against the D-Backs with what they have in the bullpen.

Following a Sunday afternoon win where they used just two pitchers, the Rangers' bullpen is certainly in good shape, but this series opener will no doubt affect the remaining two games against Arizona.

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