For the first time in over a year, Tyler Mahle will step foot on a Major League mound when the Rangers take on the Astros at Globe Life Field on Tuesday night.

Mahle underwent Tommy John surgery way back in May of last season after making just five starts with the Minnesota Twins. Across two seasons in Minnesota, Mahle made just nine starts.

Still needing a lot of recovery, Mahle signed a 2 year $22 million contract with the Rangers back in December.

“I’m just excited to be able to contribute,” Mahle told reporters on Monday. “I’ve been here for — I don’t know how many months it’s been, but we’re in August and I haven’t been able to do anything except cheer everyone on. I’m excited to be able to compete with these guys.”

Tyler Mahle will join a Texas rotation which will soon feature Jacob deGrom who will face live hitters soon for the first time since he went down needing Tommy John surgery last April.

However, Mahle won’t just be stepping in for any regular game.

With a win, the Rangers will clinch their first Silver Boot since 2016.