Rangers OF Eli White undergoes elbow surgery, expected to miss six months

Rangers outfielder Eli White underwent an internal-brace procedure to repair a torn UCL in his right elbow, the team announced. He’s expected to miss six months.

That initial estimate suggests White could be ready at some point during spring training next season. Even a slight delay in his recovery could affect the 27-year-old’s readiness for Opening Day, though. White was recently placed on the 10-day injured list with what the team initially called an elbow strain. With his 2021 season officially over, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Texas transfers him to the 60-day IL whenever the need for a 40-man roster spot arises.

The Rangers acquired White from the A’s during the 2018-19 offseason as part of the deal that sent Jurickson Profar to Oakland. He reached the majors for the first time last year and has tallied 272 MLB plate appearances over the past two seasons, hitting .179/.254/.293 with six home runs. He’s been more productive in Triple-A, compiling a .265/.353/.434 mark in 579 trips to the plate at the highest minor league level.