Josh Sborz will forever live at the forefront of the greatest moment in the history of the Texas Rangers.

It was more than two years ago that Sborz struck out Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte and clinched the first World Series title in Rangers history.

Much like was the case for the entire Rangers organization, the two years following the ultimate glory have not been the same.

In 2024, Sborz appeared in just 17 games and posted a 3.86 ERA. But, shortly after the season in which the Rangers finished 78-84, it was revealed he would need right-shoulder debridement surgery.

Despite knowing that Sborz wouldn’t be ready early in the 2025 season, the Rangers figured they would get a bullpen boost with his return at some point during the campaign.

Unfortunately for Texas, that return never came as Sborz suffered multiple setbacks and eventually missed the entire year.

After not having thrown a major-league pitch since September 2024, Sborz was one of several players the Rangers did not tender a contract to this past offseason.

Needing somewhere to train, Sborz spent his offseason practicing at a middle school in Southlake, Texas, before eventually deciding to return to Texas on a minor-league deal.

Despite that, Sborz didn’t hold anything against the Rangers for not giving him a contract over the winter.

“Like a month before camp started, I was like, ‘I probably should find somewhere to sign, because I can't keep training in small gyms,’” Sborz said. “I elected to come back here, and it was mutual. I wasn't really holding any grudges for them. I understood it. Relievers get replaced all the time. I didn't show them that I deserved to stay.”

Just 10 days away from Opening Day, it looks like the Rangers are going to be glad Sborz didn’t hold any grudges.

In seven appearances so far this spring, Sborz has thrown six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts.

First-year Rangers manager Skip Schumaker says Sborz has put himself in a really good spot with just ten days to go until Opening Day.

“He's done all that he's [been] asked to do,” Schumaker said. “We'll see where it ends up here, I told him that he was one of the guys I was most excited to see coming into camp for a reason.

"We need guys with stuff like his in the bullpen," Schumaker said. "He's going to be throwing either back-to-backs or multiple innings here coming up soon, and then we'll see. But he's done everything [that's been] asked of him to do.”

There’s no doubt that Sborz is certainly putting himself in a great position to be a part of the Opening Day roster and write a huge chapter in a more than impressive comeback story.

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!