Nathan Eovaldi

Nathan Edward Eovaldi was born on February 13, 1990, in Alvin, Texas. Eovaldi attended Alvin High School in Alvin, Texas, where he played for the school's baseball team. Eovaldi had Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during his junior year of high school.{{cite web |last=Khan Jr. |first=Sam |date=April 22, 2008 |title=Tommy John surgery is rising among young pitchers |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/highschool/article/tommy-john-surgery-is-rising-among-young-pitchers-1588909.php |access-date=2025-02-25 |work=Houston Chronicle}} In 2008, Eovaldi's senior year, he was an honorable mention on Texas' All-State team.{{cite web|url=http://dailysentinel.com/news/local/article_5cc0fa6a-99e4-5495-8071-0516b6dfef33.html|title=Several area baseball players earn all-state honors|work=The Daily Sentinel|date=July 6, 2008 |access-date=February 25, 2015}} He committed to attend Texas A&M University on a college baseball scholarship.

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Eovaldi in the 11th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. His draft stock had fallen because of his first Tommy John surgery. Eovaldi signed with the Dodgers, receiving a $250,000 signing bonus, forgoing his commitment to Texas A&M.{{cite news|url=http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110805&content_id=22794744¬ebook_id=22794746&vkey=notebook_la&c_id=la|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010142400/http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110805&content_id=22794744¬ebook_id=22794746&vkey=notebook_la&c_id=la|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 10, 2012|title=Dodgers to promote Eovaldi for Saturday start|work=MLB.com|date=August 5, 2011|access-date=December 19, 2014}} He made his way through the Dodgers' farm system, pitching for the Gulf Coast Dodgers of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2008 and the Great Lakes Loons of the Single–A Midwest League in 2009.

In 2010, with the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino of the High–A California League, Eovaldi was selected to the mid-season California League all-star team.{{Cite press release |title=Nate Eovaldi An All-Star |date=2010-06-10 |publisher=Inland Empire 66ers |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/nate-eovaldi-an-all-star/n-4026076 |language=en-US |via=OurSports Central |access-date=2025-02-25}} Eovaldi was promoted to the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Double–A Southern League in 2011 and was selected to the mid-season all-star game. He had a 6–5 win–loss record with a 2.62 earned run average (ERA) for the Lookouts, where he started 19 games. Eovaldi was also selected to the post-season All-Star team.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-24008438|title=Goldschmidt among Southern Stars|first=Danny|last=Wild|work=Minor League Baseball|date=August 31, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2014}}

File:Nathan Eovaldi (June 2012).jpg]]

Eovaldi was called up to the majors for the first time on August 6, 2011, and was the starting pitcher that night against the Arizona Diamondbacks.{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgers/2011/08/dodgers-call-up-nathan-eovaldi-expected-to-start-saturday.html|title=Dodgers call up Nathan Eovaldi; expected to start Saturday [Updated]|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 5, 2011 |access-date=December 19, 2014}} In the game, he picked up the win, while pitching five innings, allowing only two runs while striking out seven. He also hit a single in his first major league at bat and scored a run. His seven strikeouts were tied for fourth in Dodgers' history for a major league debut and he was only the fourth Dodger pitcher to score a run in his debut since 1960.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_06_lanmlb_arimlb_1&mode=wrap|title=Confident Eovaldi wins debut for Dodgers|last=Gurnick|first=Ken|date=August 7, 2011|work=MLB.com|access-date=August 7, 2011}} Eovaldi became the first Dodger starter since Danny McDevitt in the 1957 season to start his career with four games of five innings or more while allowing two runs or fewer.{{cite web|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2011/8/22/2378576/dodgers-beat-cardinals-thanks-for-removing-chris-carpenter|title=Dodgers Handed Opportunities In 9th, Take Advantage To Beat Cardinals |last=Stephen|first=Eric|date=August 22, 2011|work=truebluela.com|access-date=August 22, 2011}} He made 6 starts for the Dodgers and was then moved to the bullpen in order to keep his innings down for the season.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110818&content_id=23387624&vkey=news_la&c_id=la|title=Dodgers Notebook: August 18, 2011|work=MLB.com|access-date=December 19, 2014}} He pitched in four games out of the bullpen late in the season. His 2011 totals included a 1–2 record and 3.63 ERA.{{cite web |last=Dilbeck |first=Steve |date=March 10, 2012 |title=Dodgers like glimpse of future as Nathan Eovaldi shines |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-xpm-2012-mar-10-la-sp-dn-nathan-eovaldi-20120310-story.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 25, 2015 |work=Los Angeles Times}}

After beginning the 2012 season with Chattanooga, Eovaldi made his first appearance of the season for the Dodgers on May 29 when he started against the Milwaukee Brewers. He had four strikeouts, allowed 4 hits and 2 runs through 7 innings in a 1–2 loss. In 10 starts with the Dodgers, he had a 1–6 record with a 4.15 ERA.

On July 25, 2012, Eovaldi was traded, along with minor league pitcher Scott McGough, to the Miami Marlins for Hanley Ramírez and Randy Choate. In his first game with the Marlins, he got the win vs the San Diego Padres on July 28.{{cite news|last=Gurnick|first=Ken|title=Source: Dodgers acquire Hanley from Marlins|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120725&content_id=35530624&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|access-date=July 25, 2012|newspaper=MLB.com|date=July 25, 2012}} He started 12 games for the Marlins in 2012, with a 3–7 record and 4.43 ERA. He finished the season with a 4–13 record in 22 games with a 4.30 ERA, a 1.51 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) ratio, 47 walks, and 78 strikeouts in {{frac|119|1|3}} innings pitched.

In 2013, Eovaldi had a 4–6 record with a 3.39 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 18 starts.

In 2014, Eovaldi had a 6–14 record with a 4.37 ERA. He allowed 223 hits, the most in the National League. He set new career highs with 33 games started and {{frac|199|2|3}} innings pitched.{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/eovaldi-express-new-yankee-pitcher-nolan-ryan-article-1.2052090|title=New Yankees pitcher Nathan Eovaldi hopes to follow footsteps of hometown hero Nolan Ryan|first=Anthony|last=McCarron|work=New York Daily News|date=December 20, 2014|access-date=December 22, 2014}}

File:Nathan Eovaldi on May 25, 2015.jpg

On December 19, 2014, the Marlins traded Eovaldi, Garrett Jones, and Domingo Germán to the New York Yankees for Martín Prado and David Phelps.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/12053248/new-york-yankees-trade-martin-prado-miami-marlins-nathan-eovaldi|title=New York Yankees trade Martin Prado to Miami Marlins for Nathan Eovaldi – ESPN New York|website=ESPN.com|date=December 19, 2014 |access-date=December 19, 2014}}

Eovaldi made his first start for the Yankees on April 10, 2015, against the Boston Red Sox, where he pitched {{frac|5|1|3}} innings, allowing two runs on eight hits. He was credited with a no decision as the Yankees lost to the Red Sox, 6–5 in 19 innings.{{cite web|last1=Feinsand|first1=Mark|title=Eovaldi makes first Yankees start, Red Sox win 6–5 in 19 innings.|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/red-sox-outlast-yankees-19-inning-marathon-6-5-article-1.2181369|work=New York Daily News|date=April 11, 2015 |access-date=April 11, 2015}} Eovaldi developed a split-finger fastball, which led to improved results.{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2015/07/26/eovaldi-makes-statement-as-red-hot-yankees-throttle-twins/|title=Perfecting one pitch has taken Nathan Eovaldi to 'another level'|first=George A.|last=King III|work=New York Post|date=July 26, 2015|access-date=September 8, 2015}} From June 20 through August 24, Eovaldi pitched to an 8–0 record with a 2.93 ERA.{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2015/09/yankees_nathan_eovaldi_likely_out_until_playoffs.html |title=No guarantees Yankees' Nathan Eovaldi returns in 2015, Brian Cashman says |work=NJ.com |first=Brendan |last=Kuty |date=September 8, 2015 |access-date=September 8, 2015}} In September, Eovaldi experienced elbow inflammation, ending his regular season.{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2015/09/yankees_nathan_eovaldi_on_injury_worst_timing_poss.html|title=Yankees' Nathan Eovaldi on elbow injury: 'Worst timing possible'|work=NJ.com|first=Ryan|last=Hatch|date=September 8, 2015|access-date=September 8, 2015}} For the 2015 Yankees, Eovaldi went 14–3 with a 4.20 ERA, pitching {{frac|154|1|3}} innings in 27 starts. Eovaldi was prepared to pitch in the ALDS, but the Yankees were eliminated in the Wild Card Game.{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2015/10/07/yankees-answer-lingering-questions-on-nova-eovaldi/|title=Yankees answer lingering questions on Nova, Eovaldi|first=Joel|last=Sherman|work=New York Post|date=October 7, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2015}}

On August 16, 2016, it was announced that Eovaldi would miss the remainder of the 2016 season due to a torn flexor tendon and partially-torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching (right) elbow.{{cite web|url=http://riveraveblues.com/2016/08/eovaldi-to-have-surgery-on-flexor-tendon-partially-torn-ucl-143350/|title=Nathan Eovaldi to have surgery for torn flexor tendon and partially torn UCL|last=Axisa|first=Mike|work=River Ave Blues|date=August 16, 2016|access-date=August 16, 2016}} Several days later, the Yankees announced that Eovaldi had undergone his second Tommy John surgery.{{cite web|last1=Hatch|first1=Ryan|title=Yankees' Nathan Eovaldi undergoes 2nd Tommy John surgery|url=http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2016/08/yankees_nathan_eovaldi_undergoes_2nd_tommy_john_su.html|work=nj.com|date=August 19, 2016 |access-date=September 27, 2016}} With the 2016 Yankees, Eovaldi made 24 appearances (21 starts), registering a 9–8 record with 4.76 ERA in {{frac|124|2|3}} innings pitched. He was expected to miss the 2017 season, after which he would have become eligible for free agency.{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/nathan-eovaldi-expected-2017-2-surgeries-article-1.2753898|title=Nathan Eovaldi expected to miss all of 2017 as Yankees righthander has torn flexor tendon, partially torn UCL|first=Daniel|last=Popper|work=New York Daily News|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=September 27, 2016}} On November 23, the Yankees released Eovaldi.{{cite web|url=http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/209788098/yankees-unconditionally-release-three-pitchers/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129144711/http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/209788098/yankees-unconditionally-release-three-pitchers/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 29, 2016|title=Eovaldi among three pitchers released by Yanks|last=Hoch|first=Bryan|work=MLB.com|date=November 23, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2016}}

On February 14, 2017, Eovaldi signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays; the contract included a $2 million club option for the 2018 season. Eovaldi missed the entire 2017 season due to recovery from his prior elbow surgery.{{cite web|url=http://m.rays.mlb.com/news/article/215815328/nathan-eovaldi-joins-rays-at-spring-training/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214195348/http://m.rays.mlb.com/news/article/215815328/nathan-eovaldi-joins-rays-at-spring-training/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 14, 2017|title=Eovaldi joins Rays at spring camp|last=Chastain|first=Bill|work=MLB.com|date=February 14, 2017|access-date=February 14, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://azdailysun.com/sports/baseball/rays-finalize-m--year-deal-with-injured-nathan-eovaldi/article_c8054b08-2e6f-584d-871c-ff5e1318ad5c.html|title=Rays finalize $2M, 1-year deal with injured Nathan Eovaldi|work=Arizona Daily Sun|date=February 14, 2017|access-date=February 14, 2017}} The Rays exercised the option going into the 2018 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/11/06/rays-exercise-option-on-rhp-eovaldi-for-next-season/107406494/ |title=Rays exercise option on RHP Eovaldi for next season |agency=AP |website=USA Today |date=November 6, 2017}}

On March 28, 2018, it was revealed that Eovaldi was diagnosed with "loose bodies" in his elbow, and was ruled out indefinitely.{{cite web|title=Rays' Nathan Eovaldi to have another elbow surgery, out indefinitely|date=March 28, 2018 |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22944431/nathan-eovaldi-tampa-bay-rays-another-elbow-surgery-indefinitely|publisher=ESPN|access-date=March 28, 2018}} On May 30, almost a year and a half since his last start, Eovaldi pitched against the Oakland Athletics, throwing six no-hit innings before being taken out due to pitch count considerations. With the 2018 Rays, Eovaldi made 10 appearances (all starts) with a 4.26 ERA and 3–4 record, while recording 53 strikeouts and eight walks in 57 innings pitched.

On July 25, 2018, the Rays traded Eovaldi to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Jalen Beeks.{{cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |date=July 25, 2018 |title=Nathan Eovaldi Traded to Red Sox, Rays Acquire Jalen Beeks |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2652452-nathan-eovaldi-traded-to-red-sox-rays-acquire-jalen-beeks |access-date=July 25, 2018 |work=Bleacher Report}} Eovaldi made his Red Sox debut on July 29, going seven innings without giving up a run, as the Red Sox defeated the Minnesota Twins 3–0.{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=380729102 |title=Twins vs. Red Sox - Box Score |website=ESPN |date=July 29, 2018 |access-date=August 11, 2018}} With the 2018 Red Sox, Eovaldi made 12 appearances (11 starts) with a 3.33 ERA and 3–3 record, striking out 48 in 54 innings.

In the 2018 playoffs, Eovaldi pitched seven innings in Game 3 of the Division Series against the New York Yankees, which the Red Sox won 16–1, giving the Yankees their most lopsided loss in postseason history.{{Cite news|url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2018/10/08/nathan-eovaldi-brock-holt-red-sox-blow-out-yankees-16-1-alds-game-3/|title=Eovaldi Goes Seven Strong, Holt Hits For Cycle As Red Sox Blow Out Yankees 16-1 In ALDS Game 3|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Mike|date=October 8, 2018|work=CBS Boston|access-date=October 19, 2018|agency=Associated Press|language=en}} In Game 3 of the League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, Eovaldi pitched six innings, allowing just two runs, as the Red Sox won 8–2. Eovaldi also pitched {{frac|1|1|3}} innings of relief in Game 5 as Boston clinched the series win.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25001487/mlb-ryan-brasier-nathan-eovaldi-rise-moment-boston-red-sox|title=Brasier, Eovaldi rise to moment for Red Sox in Game 3|last=Schoenfield|first=David|date=October 16, 2018|work=ESPN.com|access-date=October 19, 2018|language=en}}

In the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Eovaldi pitched shutout 8th innings in Games 1 and 2. Although he was originally slated to start Game 4,{{Cite news |last=Marx |first=Bill |date=October 27, 2018 |title=World Series 2018: Red Sox's Nathan Eovaldi has a game for the ages, even as losing pitcher |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/world-series-2018-dodgers-red-sox-game-3-pitcher-nathan-eovaldi-legend-epic-performance/bc1pzul927le16405hnudykol |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029174246/http://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/world-series-2018-dodgers-red-sox-game-3-pitcher-nathan-eovaldi-legend-epic-performance/bc1pzul927le16405hnudykol |archive-date=2018-10-29 |work=Sporting News}} Eovaldi ended up the final reliever in the 18-inning marathon Game 3, the longest game in World Series history. Eovaldi threw 97 pitches over six innings of relief before giving up a walk-off home run to Max Muncy, which made him the losing pitcher. Eovaldi allowed three hits and one earned run, while throwing 36 more pitches than starter Rick Porcello. Eovaldi's 97 pitches set the record for the most in a World Series game by a reliever, and he became the first reliever to throw 6+ innings in a World Series game since Rick Rhoden did so in 1977.{{cite news |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox/2018/10/nathan_eovaldis_legend_grows_after_amazing_effort |title=Nathan Eovaldi's legend grows after 'amazing' effort |first=Michael |last=Silverman |newspaper=Boston Herald |date=October 27, 2018 |access-date=October 27, 2018}} In the 13th inning, Boston had taken the lead but an error by Ian Kinsler allowed Los Angeles to tie the score, for which Kinsler later apologized to Eovaldi. Eovaldi received a standing ovation in Boston's clubhouse after the game.{{cite web|last=Browne |first=Ian |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nathan-eovaldi-a-red-sox-hero-in-game-3/c-299755566 |title=Nathan Eovaldi a Red Sox hero in Game 3 |work=MLB.com |date=May 24, 2018 |access-date=December 6, 2018}}{{cite web |last=Wells |first=Adam |date=October 27, 2018 |title=Rick Porcello Cried After Watching Nathan Eovaldi's Performance in World Series |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2803072-rick-porcello-cried-after-watching-nathan-eovaldis-performance-in-world-series |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=Bleacher Report}} The Red Sox went on to win the next two games, winning the World Series in five games.{{cite web|last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/red-sox-win-2018-world-series-title/c-299876586 |title=Red Sox win 2018 World Series title |work=MLB.com |date=May 24, 2018 |access-date=December 6, 2018}} After the World Series, Eovaldi filed for free agency. On December 6, 2018, Eovaldi signed a four-year, $68 million contract to return to the Red Sox.{{cite web|last1=Browne|first1=Ian|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nathan-eovaldi-agrees-to-deal-with-red-sox/c-301520954?tid=282421090|title=Eovaldi, Red Sox agree to 4-year deal|website=MLB.com|date=December 6, 2018|access-date=December 6, 2018}}

Eovaldi started the 2019 season with a 6.00 ERA in four starts, all no decisions, before being placed on the injured list on April 20 due to a "loose body" (typically bone fragments) in his pitching (right) elbow.{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2019/04/20/nathan-eovaldi-placed-injured-list/OeSYMlN0KJURptIIwICzGN/story.html |title=Red Sox place Nathan Eovaldi on injured list with 'loose body' in his elbow |first=Peter |last=Abraham |website=The Boston Globe |url-access=limited |date=April 20, 2019 |access-date=April 20, 2019}} The Red Sox subsequently announced that Eovaldi would have surgery on April 23, and expected him to be out from four to six weeks.{{cite news |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2019/04/22/eovaldi-to-have-elbow-surgery-expected-out-4-6-weeks |title=Eovaldi to have elbow surgery, expected out 4-6 weeks |first=Ken |last=Powtak |agency=AP |website=Boston.com |date=April 22, 2019 |access-date=April 23, 2019}} On June 25, Eovaldi was moved to the 60-day injured list.{{cite web |url=http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2019/06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601232953/http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2019/06 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 1, 2019 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |date=June 2019 |access-date=June 25, 2019}} In early July, it was reported that the Red Sox would use Eovaldi in a closer role upon his return.{{cite news |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/07/02/nathan-eovaldi-boston-red-sox-closer-nesn-tom-caron-report/ |title=Nathan Eovaldi To Be Red Sox Closer, Report Says |website=CBS Sports |date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=July 18, 2019}} He was sent on a rehabilitation assignment with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox on July 18, and was activated two days later.{{cite web |url=http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2019/07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704055820/http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2019/07 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 4, 2019 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |date=July 2019 |access-date=July 20, 2019}} Eovaldi made four relief appearances with Boston in late July, allowing five earned runs in {{frac|3|2|3}} innings pitched. The Red Sox subsequently listed Brandon Workman as the closer on the team's depth chart.{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/depth_chart/index.jsp?c_id=bos |title=Boston Red Sox Depth Chart |website=MLB.com |access-date=August 4, 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/red-sox-using-brandon-workman-as-closer |title=Red Sox 'comfortable' using Workman as closer |first=Ian |last=Browne |website=MLB.com |date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=August 4, 2019}} In mid-August, it was announced that Eovaldi would return to being a starter for the remainder of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/08/nathan-eovaldi-returning-to-bostons-rotation.html |title=Nathan Eovaldi Returning To Boston's Rotation |first=Connor |last=Byrne |website=mlbtraderumors.com |date=August 13, 2019 |access-date=August 13, 2019}} Overall for the 2019 season, Eovaldi made 23 appearances (12 starts), recording a 5.99 ERA and 2–1 record with 70 strikeouts in {{frac|67|2|3}} innings.

File:Nathan Eovaldi 2020.png

For the 2020 season, Eovaldi was named Boston's Opening Day starter (delayed into July due to the COVID-19 pandemic) by manager Ron Roenicke.{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/07/18/red-sox-name-nathan-eovaldi-opening-day-starter-rule-out-eduardo-rodriguez/ |title=Red Sox name Nathan Eovaldi opening day starter, rule out Eduardo Rodriguez |first=Jason |last=Mastrodonato |website=Boston Herald |date=July 18, 2020 |access-date=July 18, 2020}} Eovaldi got the win in that game, pitching six innings while allowing five hits and one run, while striking out four batters, as the Red Sox defeated the Baltimore Orioles, 13–2.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=401225675 |title=Orioles vs. Red Sox |website=ESPN.com |date=July 24, 2020 |access-date=July 24, 2020}} On August 29, Eovaldi was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to August 26, due to a right calf strain;{{cite web |date=August 2020 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |url=http://mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2020/08 |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=MLB.com}} he returned to the active roster on September 12.{{cite web |date=September 2020 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |url=http://mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2020/09 |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=MLB.com}} Overall with the 2020 Red Sox, Eovaldi appeared in nine games (all starts), compiling a 4–2 record with 3.72 ERA and 52 strikeouts in {{frac|48|1|3}} innings pitched.

Eovaldi was Boston's Opening Day starter for the second year in a row,{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/red-sox/nathan-eovaldi-replace-eduardo-rodriquez-red-sox-opening-day-starter |title=Eovaldi to replace E-Rod as Red Sox Opening Day starter |first=Nick |last=Goss |website=NBC Sports |date=March 26, 2021 |accessdate=July 4, 2021}} taking the loss as the Red Sox fell to the Orioles, 3–0.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/orioles-vs-red-sox/2021/04/02/634627#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=634627 |title=Orioles 3, Red Sox 0 (Final Score) |website=MLB.com |date=April 2, 2021 |accessdate=July 4, 2021}} On July 4, he was named to the American League roster for the MLB All-Star Game.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2021-all-star-game-rosters |title=All-Star Game rosters: Who's going to Coors? |website=MLB.com |date=July 4, 2021 |accessdate=July 4, 2021}} He finished the 2021 season with an 11–9 record, a 3.75 ERA and 195 strikeouts in {{frac|182|1|3}} innings. He gave up the fewest walks per nine innings of any major league pitcher, at 1.73.{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2021 » Pitchers » Dashboard |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2021&month=0&season1=2021&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2021-01-01&enddate=2021-12-31&sort=10,a |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=FanGraphs Baseball}} His 54 doubles allowed also led the major leagues.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2021-batting-pitching.shtml|title=2021 Major League Baseball Batting Against|website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=December 20, 2021}}

Eovaldi was the winning pitcher in the AL Wild Card Game, striking out eight batters and giving up four hits and one run in {{frac|5|1|3}} innings over the Yankees.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS202110050.shtml|title=2021 American League Wild Card (ALWC) Game 1, Yankees at Red Sox, October 5|website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=October 6, 2021}} He made one start in the Division Series, a no decision against Tampa Bay, and three appearances (two starts) in the League Championship Series, going 1–2 against Houston as the Red Sox were defeated in six games. Eovaldi finished fourth in American League Cy Young Award voting after the season.{{cite web |last1=Mizgala |first1=Brendan |title=Red Sox: Nathan Eovaldi's Cy Young finish caps off career season |url=https://bosoxinjection.com/2021/11/18/red-sox-nathan-eovaldis-cy-young/ |website=BoSox Injection |date=November 18, 2021 |publisher=Fansided |access-date=November 21, 2021}}

Eovaldi was Boston's Opening Day starter for the third year in a row, becoming the 10th Red Sox pitcher to do so.{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2022/04/06/red-sox-notebook-nathan-eovaldi-joins-exclusive-company-with-third-consecutive-opening-day-start/|title=Red Sox Notebook: Nathan Eovaldi joins exclusive company with third consecutive Opening Day start|website=Boston Herald|date=April 6, 2022 |accessdate=April 6, 2022}} Facing Gerrit Cole and the Yankees, he went five innings and allowed three runs on five hits, ending with a no decision after Boston lost in extra innings, 6–5.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA202204080.shtml |title=Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees Box Score |website=Baseball-Reference.com |date=April 8, 2022 |accessdate=November 11, 2022}} On May 17, he became the third MLB pitcher (after Chase Anderson and Michael Blazek) to ever allow five home runs in one inning, doing so against the Houston Astros; in total, he allowed eight hits and six earned runs in {{frac|1|2|3}} innings in the eventual 13–4 loss.{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33935184/boston-red-sox-starter-nathan-eovaldi-third-pitcher-ever-allow-five-homers-one-inningBoston | title=Eovaldi 3rd pitcher ever to allow 5 HRS in 1 inning | date=May 18, 2022 }} On May 28, Eovaldi threw his first major-league complete game in a 5–3 win against the Baltimore Orioles—he allowed seven hits, two earned runs, struck out six batters, and only issued one walk while throwing 108 pitches.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nathan-eovaldi-tosses-first-career-complete-game-vs-orioles |title='Outstanding' Eovaldi fires first complete game |first=Ian |last=Browne |website=MLB.com |date=May 28, 2022 |accessdate=June 12, 2022}} On June 12, he was placed on the injured list with lower-back inflammation.{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/red-sox-place-all-star-starter-nathan-eovaldi-on-injured-list-with-back-inflammation/ar-AAYnvpw |title=Red Sox place All-Star starter Nathan Eovaldi on injured list with back inflammation |first=Matt |last=Snyder |website=CBS Sports |via=MSN.com |date=June 12, 2022 |accessdate=June 12, 2022}} He was reactivated by the team on July 15.{{cite news |url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2022/07/boston-red-sox-activate-nathan-eovaldi-garrett-whitlock-matt-strahm-goes-to-il-with-wrist-injury.html |title=Boston Red Sox activate Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Whitlock; Matt Strahm goes to IL with wrist injury |first=Chris |last=Cotillo |website=masslive.com |date=July 15, 2022 |accessdate=July 15, 2022}} Eovaldi returned to the injured list on August 23, due to right shoulder inflammation;{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/boston-red-sox-place-nate-eovaldi-eric-hosmer-on-injured-list-franchy-cordero-not-triston-casas-called-up/ar-AA110ilr |title=Boston Red Sox place Nate Eovaldi, Eric Hosmer on injured list; Franchy Cordero (not Triston Casas) called up |first=Chris |last=Cotillo |website=masslive.com |via=MSN.com |date=August 23, 2022 |accessdate=August 23, 2022}} he rejoined the team on September 29.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2022/09 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |publisher=Boston Red Sox |date=September 2022 |accessdate=September 29, 2022}} In 20 starts with Boston during 2022, Eovaldi compiled a 6–3 record with 3.87 ERA while striking out 103 batters in {{frac|109|1|3}} innings.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml |title=Nathan Eovaldi Stats |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=November 11, 2022}}

In early November 2022, Eovaldi elected to become a free agent.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2022/11 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |publisher=Boston Red Sox |date=November 2022 |accessdate=November 11, 2022}}

On December 27, 2022, Eovaldi signed a two-year contract, with a third year vesting player option, with the Texas Rangers worth $34 million guaranteed.{{Cite web |last=Grant |first=Evan |date=December 27, 2022 |title=Rangers sign Nathan Eovaldi to multi-year deal, providing rotation depth, flexibility |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2022/12/27/rangers-sign-rhp-nathan-eovaldi-to-two-year-contract/ |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=The Dallas Morning News |language=}} In 25 starts for Texas in 2023, he compiled a 12–5 record and 3.63 ERA with 132 strikeouts across 144 innings pitched.

Eovaldi started Games 1 and 5 of the 2023 World Series, earning the win in the decisive game. The Rangers would go on to win game 5 and the World Series for the first time in franchise history.{{cite web | last=Axisa | first=Mike | title=Rangers win 2023 World Series: Texas takes out Diamondbacks in Game 5 for first title in franchise history | website=CBSSports.com | date=2023-11-02 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/rangers-win-2023-world-series-texas-takes-out-diamondbacks-in-game-5-for-first-title-in-franchise-history/live/#:~:text=The%20Rangers%20clinched%20their%20first,on%20the%20road%20this%20postseason. | access-date=2025-04-09}} Eovaldi was the ace of the Rangers starting pitching rotation during the 2023 postseason, winning 5 of his 6 starts with a no decision in game 1 of the World Series. This tied an MLB record for the most wins by a pitcher in a single postseason; the only other pitchers to do it are Randy Johnson in 2001, Francisco Rodríguez in 2002, and Stephen Strasburg in 2019.

Eovaldi made 29 starts for the Rangers in 2024, registering a 12–8 record and 3.80 ERA with 166 strikeouts across {{fraction|170|2|3}} innings pitched. On November 4, 2024, Eovaldi declined his player option for the 2025 season and became a free agent.{{cite news |title=Rangers RHP Nathan Eovaldi declines $20M, becomes free agent |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42191767/rangers-rhp-nathan-eovaldi-declines-20m-becomes-free-agent |access-date=November 5, 2024 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=November 4, 2024}} On December 12, Eovaldi re-signed with Texas on a three-year $75 million contract.{{Cite web |last=Landry |first=Kennedi |date=December 12, 2024 |title=Rangers bring back Texas native Eovaldi for 3 years, $75M |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nathan-eovaldi-rangers-contract?partnerID=mlbapp-iOS_article-share |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} On April 1, 2025, Eovaldi tossed a 1–0 shutout over the Cincinnati Reds by throwing the first Maddux shutout of 2025 (SHO on fewer than 100 pitches) by allowing four hits and striking out eight batters. This is the Rangers’ first Maddux since Colby Lewis on September 11, 2015, against Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Park.{{Cite web |last=Landry |first=Kennedi |date=April 1, 2025|title=Eovaldi blanks Reds on 99 pitches for 2025's first Maddux |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nathan-eovaldi-throws-99-pitch-shutout-in-rangers-win |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

{{BLP sources section|date=September 2022}}

As a starting pitcher, Eovaldi is associated primarily with his electric four-seam fastball, which he regularly throws at 96-97 mph, occasionally topping out at 101 mph.{{cite web |title=Nathan Eovaldi - Stats - Pitching |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/players/nathan-eovaldi/9132/stats#pitch-type |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=FanGraphs Baseball}} Although a pitcher with his high-velocity fastball would traditionally be labeled as a power pitcher, Eovaldi has not, for most of his career, accumulated the high strikeout totals associated with fellow hard-throwing right-handers like Jacob DeGrom and Justin Verlander. This result is explained{{according to whom|date=September 2022}} by Eovaldi's regular use of his wide secondary arsenal to complement his fastball. Eovaldi throws a slider in the mid to high 80s, a cut fastball in the low 90s, a curveball in the high 70s, and a split-finger fastball in the high 80s, giving him a total of five distinct pitches.{{cite web |last1=BirenBaum |first1=Jonah |title='Hitters aren't hitting it': How a cut fastball revived Nathan Eovaldi's career |url=https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/1581135 |website=theScore |access-date=21 April 2025}} In 2021, he was the only pitcher to throw five different pitches at a rate of 10% or higher.{{cite web|url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/nathan-eovaldi-543135?stats=gamelogs-r-pitching-statcast&season=2021 |title=Nathan Eovaldi |website=baseballsavant.mlb.com |access-date=October 6, 2022}} Rather than exclusively trying to overwhelm his hitters with a combination of hard fastballs in the strike zone and sliders thrown out of the zone, Eovaldi throws all five of his pitches within the strike zone in an effort to generate weak swings that result in ground balls or popups. The amount of weak bat-to-ball contact that Eovaldi generates is due to the difficulty of predicting which of his five distinct pitches will be thrown at a given time, leading even the most accomplished hitters to guess incorrectly and swing at a slow curveball when expecting a splitter, for example.

Eovaldi and his wife, Rebekah, have one son and one daughter and reside in Houston.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Christopher |date=March 27, 2019 |title=Nathan Eovaldi is so worry-free, even his wife wonders how he's so laid-back |url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2019/03/nathan-eovaldi-boston-red-sox-world-series-hero-is-a-worry-free-and-even-his-wife-still-wonders-how-hes-so-laidback-except-during-video-games.html |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=masslive}}

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