PHILADELPHIA - In a move that raised eyebrows among fans, the Texas Rangers decided to scratch Jacob deGrom from his scheduled start against the Phillies due to neck stiffness. While this might sound concerning, Rangers manager Skip Schumaker reassured everyone that deGrom is expected to be back on the mound soon, eyeing a start on Tuesday or Wednesday against Baltimore.
Stepping up to fill the void, left-hander Jacob Latz got the nod. Latz, who didn’t quite secure a spot in the rotation during spring training, has mostly been a bullpen presence over the past four seasons with the Rangers. This was a big moment for him to showcase his skills on a larger stage.
DeGrom’s journey has been a rollercoaster in recent years. His last two seasons with the Mets were riddled with injuries, and after his move to Texas, the story seemed to repeat.
After just six starts in 2023, he underwent Tommy John surgery. Despite the setback, those six starts were memorable, as the Rangers won each one, paving the way to their only World Series title that year.
The financial commitment to deGrom was significant, with a $185 million, five-year contract. Interestingly, the deal includes a conditional sixth-year option, which has now been activated due to his time missed on the injured list. This option could add anywhere from $20 million to $37 million for the 2028 season, depending on various conditions.
As the Rangers look to navigate the season, keeping deGrom healthy will be crucial. With his track record, when he's on the mound, he’s a game-changer. Fans will be hoping that his return is as swift and impactful as promised.