Jacob deGrom Eyes Return After Scratched Start Due to Neck Stiffness

Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom reported significant improvement Sunday after neck stiffness prevented his scheduled Saturday outing.

Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom is targeting a season debut this week after neck stiffness forced him to be scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday. The 37-year-old ace reported a "big improvement" on Sunday, participating in a throwing session that saw him play catch out to a distance of 120 feet. This physical progression follows a 2023 campaign where the veteran pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery after making only six starts for the Texas organization.

Manager Skip Schumaker indicated that Tuesday or Wednesday remains a possibility for the right-hander’s return during the upcoming series against the Baltimore Orioles. The club is currently evaluating the two-time Cy Young Award winner on a day-to-day basis to determine his readiness for live competition. Following his Sunday workout, the pitcher noted that Monday would serve as a critical evaluation point to see how his neck responds to the increased workload of long-toss drills.

Statistical Performance and Recent History

During his final full season of health in 2022, deGrom posted a 12-8 record complemented by a 2.97 ERA. His dominance on the mound that year was highlighted by 185 strikeouts before he entered free agency and departed the New York Mets. Despite his high-level production, the latter portion of his tenure in New York was defined by frequent medical setbacks that limited his availability prior to signing with Texas.

The Rangers' medical staff is monitoring the situation closely given the pitcher's history of arm issues. The current neck stiffness is a separate concern from the elbow reconstruction he navigated last year. If the veteran can avoid further setbacks during Monday's assessment, he will bolster a rotation facing a high-stakes matchup against Baltimore's lineup later this week.

Recovery Timeline and Pitching Drills

The decision to scratch the right-hander on Saturday was a precautionary measure to address the rigidity in his neck. By Sunday, the pitcher described himself as feeling "much better" compared to the previous 24 hours. The 120-foot throwing distance reached during his most recent session suggests that the range of motion is returning to a functional level for professional pitching mechanics.

Skip Schumaker’s staff has not yet officially named a starter for the Tuesday or Wednesday games, leaving the window open for their primary right-hander to reclaim his spot. The team's cautious approach aligns with the long-term investment made in the starter following his 2022 free-agency move.

Impact on the Rangers Rotation

With a career resume that includes two Cy Young trophies, deGrom remains the focal point of the Texas pitching staff when healthy. His ability to maintain a sub-3.00 ERA over high-volume strikeout seasons makes his return vital for the Rangers' rotation depth. The club is balancing the immediate need for his 185-strikeout caliber arm with the necessity of ensuring his neck stiffness does not lead to compensatory injuries elsewhere.

As the Rangers prepare for the Baltimore Orioles, the daily status updates will dictate whether the 37-year-old makes his first appearance of the current season. The organization continues to prioritize the day-to-day feedback from the player as he tests his recovery through standard pre-game throwing routines.