Strained Muscle Sidelines Ryan in Rangers’ 8-1 Win Over Tigers

Nolan Ryan’s celebrated return to Arlington Stadium turned into a night of concern.

Ryan, pitching at home for the first time since his record seventh no-hitter, left Monday night’s start in the fifth inning with a strained muscle in the back of his right shoulder.

“My attitude now is I’ll know within the next 48 hours what we’re dealing with,” Ryan said after the Rangers’ 8-1 victory over Detroit. “I hope to miss only one start.”

Ryan gave up only one hit and was ahead 2-0 when he left, two outs away from qualifying for his 306th career victory. He struck out four, walked three and threw 79 pitches, 44 for strikes.

Ryan left after striking out Pete Incaviglia to start the fifth. He grimaced, took a swat at his back with his glove, then stormed off the mound to the dugout.

John Barfield (1-0) relieved and retired seven straight batters for the victory. Goose Gossage and Mike Jeffcoat also pitched for the Rangers.

Ryan, 44, hurried to the dressing room for treatment from team physician Mike Mycoskie after he felt a pulling sensation. Mycoskie’s preliminary diagnosis was a muscle strain, and Ryan’s next start on Sunday against Boston was in question.

Ryan called the injury a “knot” behind his shoulder. He said he started feeling discomfort five days ago in a 4-2 loss to Toronto and said he felt the problem again after 25 or 30 pitches.

“Three or four times a year, I experience this kind of thing, and it’s because of improper mechanics,” Ryan said.