Jacob deGrom Set to Return This Week After Neck Issue Sidelines Rangers Star

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom is planning his season debut Tuesday or Wednesday after missing Saturday's scheduled start due to neck stiffness. The two-time Cy Young winner showed improvement Sunday and is expected to pitch during the team's upcoming series against Baltimore.

Texas Rangers star pitcher Jacob deGrom is planning to take the mound for his first appearance of the season either Tuesday or Wednesday, following a brief setback from neck stiffness that caused him to miss his planned Saturday outing.

The veteran right-hander was unable to start Saturday’s game due to physical limitations, prompting the Rangers to substitute left-handed pitcher Jacob Latz against Philadelphia. Despite the last-minute change, Texas managed to secure a 5-4 win in extra innings.

DeGrom participated in throwing exercises Sunday, working at distances up to 120 feet as part of his recovery process. The Rangers begin a three-game road series against Baltimore on Monday, with manager Skip Schumaker indicating deGrom will likely start during the series’ final games.

“We’ll see how it goes (Monday),” deGrom said to media members. “It’s definitely a big improvement from yesterday.”

The 37-year-old veteran is coming off a remarkable comeback season in which he made 30 starts for the first time since 2019, earning American League Comeback Player of the Year honors for his performance.

Following Tommy John surgery that kept him sidelined for most of 2023 and 2024, the former Cy Young Award winner returned to action with three limited appearances for Texas in September 2024. Last season, he compiled a 12-8 record with a 2.97 earned run average while receiving his fifth All-Star Game selection.