Texas Rangers Ace Jacob deGrom on Track for Next Start

Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom threw a bullpen session Friday with the intent of making his next start Sunday against the Oakland Athletics.

Nothing has been officially decided and the Rangers haven't announced a starter for the series finale, but deGrom is on track to return to the mound barring any setbacks.

The right-hander left Monday’s outing after four hitless innings with soreness in his right wrist. The Rangers would go on to win 4-0 in the series opener at the Kansas City Royals.

deGrom said he woke up Tuesday and the soreness that led to his departure had subsided, adding “I fully anticipate making my next start.”

Monday’s start appeared normal for observers, as a deGrom breezed through four innings. He struck out five and threw 58 pitches, 39 for strikes.

But the soreness in his right wrist, which he felt during pregame warmups, continued to tighten as the game wore on. It never loosened, so deGrom and the Rangers decided to take the “smart” approach and end his night.

The club, which invested $185 million into deGrom this offseason to anchor the rotation, wants its ace healthy for the long haul. He's gone on the injured list several times over the last few seasons with the New York Mets.

The American League West-leading Rangers (12-6) open a three-game series with Oakland (3-16) Friday night at Globe Life Field. The Rangers are starting Jon Gray (1-1, 3.21) against Oakland's JP Sears (0-1, 4.60). Gray is back after getting hit in the foreman by a line drive is his last start.

Texas is also debuting its Nike City Connect uniforms. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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