Jacob deGrom Eyes Thursday Return After 32-Pitch Exit With Triceps Fatigue

Jacob deGrom could start the series finale against Washington after throwing a successful bullpen session following his two-inning stint against the Angels.

Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom is slated for a potential return to the mound this Thursday for a series finale against the Washington Nationals. Manager Skip Schumaker confirmed the 38-year-old pitcher checked out OK following a recent bullpen session, marking a one-week recovery period since his abbreviated outing against the Los Angeles Angels. During that start last Thursday, deGrom lasted only two innings in a 7-0 Rangers loss, exiting the contest due to right triceps fatigue. The veteran starter surrendered two runs and five hits during a laboring 32-pitch second inning, though he managed to escape a jam in the opening frame.

Schumaker has ruled deGrom out for the middle game of the Washington series on Wednesday, focusing instead on the Thursday window. The right-hander enters this week with an 8-8 record and a 3.95 ERA through 23 starts, a mark that currently stands as the highest earned run average of his 13-season Major League career. Despite these struggles, the five-time All-Star remains two strikeouts away from reaching the 2,000-career strikeout milestone. Achieving this in his next appearance would make him the second-fastest pitcher in MLB history to reach the mark in terms of both starts and innings pitched.

Injury History and Season Durability

The triceps fatigue is the latest in a string of physical hurdles for the two-time Cy Young Award winner. Since the All-Star break, deGrom has been managing a left hip and glute injury. However, he remains in contention to match his 2025 total of 30 starts. Reaching that number would be a significant durability milestone, as he has not surpassed 30 starts in a single season since 2018 and 2019, when he made 32 starts in back-to-back years while playing for the New York Mets.

Statistical Performance in Arlington

The Rangers' 7-0 defeat last Thursday highlighted the team's recent struggles when their ace leaves early. DeGrom’s current 3.95 ERA reflects a season with more volatility than his historical norms. His path to 2,000 strikeouts was delayed by the two-inning exit, leaving him at 1,998 punchouts heading into the series finale at Arlington. The upcoming start against Washington provides the first opportunity for the right-hander to solidify his rotation spot following the medical clearance of his throwing arm.

Rotation Outlook Against Washington

With the series finale serving as the target date, the Rangers are managing deGrom's workload carefully to avoid further setbacks with his right triceps. The decision to skip the Wednesday start ensures a full week of rest between his 32-pitch effort against the Angels and his next competitive pitch. The team has not yet officially named him the starter, but Schumaker indicated the chance remains high following the successful bullpen evaluation. This return is critical for a pitcher who has faced frequent stints on the injured list throughout his tenure in the big leagues.