Eovaldi (back tightness) scratched from series finale vs. Tigers

ARLINGTON — What was gearing up to be a duel of the aces on Sunday Night Baseball lost a bit of its flair.

Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi was scratched from his start on Sunday night due to back tightness, manager Bruce Bochy announced after Saturday's 4-1 win over the Tigers that gave Texas wins in the first two games of this series.

Texas reliever Jacob Latz started in his place opposite reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, as the Rangers looked to sweep the team with the best record in the AL.

“He’s improving from where he was last night, from when he did it before or during batting practice,” Bochy said ahead of Sunday's matchup. “He left last night feeling better and is still improving. We don't have a day when we have him scheduled to pitch. … Wednesday could be a possibility. We’ll see how he does in the next couple days.”

Bochy said he isn’t expecting an IL stint for Eovaldi at this point.

Eovaldi, who was not available for comment postgame Saturday night, has posted a 1.58 ERA in 91 innings this season, though he was also on the injured list from June 1-27 with triceps inflammation. He had a dominant start against the Tigers earlier this season, tossing seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in Detroit on May 11.

Going into Sunday's game, Latz has recorded a 3.00 ERA over 21 games (two starts) this season, 3.86 as a starter and 2.79 as a reliever. Bochy said he should almost be a full go for Sunday’s start, and the lefty could go as many as 80-85 pitches.

“He's been a real asset, having that ability to do what he's been doing for us and go from the bullpen to starting,” Bochy said.