Jacob deGrom Now Setting a Historic Standard For Aging Pitchers

The Texas Rangers toppled the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night as deGrom went six brilliant innings once again.

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) looks in for the sign during the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Globe Life Field on June 14. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The Texas Rangers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-2 on Friday night, thanks to a solid offensive performance and another great start from right-hander Jacob deGrom.

deGrom, who is finally healthy this season, went six brilliant innings, giving up just two earned runs on five hits. He walked one and struck out seven, improving his record to 7-2.

He's now carrying a 2.24 ERA, and he's making some history, according to @OptaSTATS:

Jacob deGrom of the @Rangers has allowed 2 runs or fewer in 12 consecutive starts.

That's the longest streak by any MLB pitcher 35 or older in the modern era.

Jacob deGrom of the @Rangers has allowed 2 runs or fewer in 12 consecutive starts.

That's the longest streak by any MLB pitcher 35 or older in the modern era. pic.twitter.com/BbNcmIaMRd

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) June 21, 2025

deGrom, who just turned 37, is one of the most accomplished pitchers of the last decade. A 12-year veteran of the New York Mets and Rangers, he's gone 91-59 for his career with a 2.50 ERA. A four-time All-Star, he's angling for his fifth selection this summer. He's also an ERA champion (2018) and a two-time Cy Young winner.

He's struck out 97 batters in 88.1 innings this season for the Rangers, who are 37-39 and in third place in the American League West.

The Pirates are now 30-47 and in fifth place in the National League Central.

The two teams will play again on Saturday afternoon with first pitch coming at 4:05 p.m. ET. Top prospect Kumar Rocker will pitch for Texas against Mitch Keller.

Rocker has struggled this season, going 2-for-4 with a 7.31 ERA. Keller has pitched better than his 1-9 record, as he has a 4.08 ERA.

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