Jacob deGrom Finally Making Texas Rangers Spring MLB Debut
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Less than two weeks before Opening Day, Jacob deGrom will make his Major League Spring Training debut for the Texas Rangers on Sunday.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy confirmed the deGrom start against the Seattle Mariners during his normal pregame media session Friday before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
deGrom’s debut has been long anticipated since he signed a five-year, $185 million contract in December. He last pitched Monday against the Kansas City Royals’ Triple-A players in a back field game at the Surprise facility.
But that 24-pitch outing was his most significant appearance yet of the spring.
Jonah Heim happened to catch the two-inning session.
“He looked amazing on Monday and I’m excited to see where it goes from here,” Heim said.
deGrom threw two innings, giving up one hit and one run, which turned out to be an inside-the-park home run. He also struck out five hitters.
deGrom utilized all four of his pitches and recorded a strikeout with his fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup. His fastball even touched 100 miles per hour.
deGrom reported no issues after the appearance. Bochy said deGrom would likely start the season on a pitch count.
deGrom believes he’ll be ready for Opening Day. Texas will play host to the Philadelphia Phillies on March 30 at Globe Life Field.
"If somebody steps in there I want to get them out," deGrom said. "I was able to get what I wanted to today and able to throw, like I said, all four pitches. I’m happy with how it turned out. Everything felt good. I feel really good. That was the main goal."
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