WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Texas Rangers were still waiting Friday afternoon to learn more about Jacob deGrom‘s right triceps.
deGrom underwent imaging after leaving Thursday’s 7-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels after only two innings. Manager Skip Schumaker said before Friday’s series opener against the Athletics that the club had not received the results, according to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News.
“He’s seeing the doctors right now,” Schumaker said. “Once the MRI [is done], they give it to however many opinions that they want to give it to, and we’ll find out hopefully soon.”
Texas announced deGrom’s issue Thursday as right triceps fatigue. He said after the game that he was not overly concerned and hoped to make his next start.
Jacob deGrom’s Triceps Tightened Against Los Angeles Angels
deGrom gave up 2 runs on 6 hits against the Angels, with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. He threw 53 pitches.
Most of the damage came in the second inning. Los Angeles had 5 hits and made deGrom throw 32 pitches before he got through the frame.
His velocity was still there. deGrom touched 99 mph and generated 10 whiffs. All five of his pitches averaged above their season velocity, according to Statcast.
The issue was how the triceps felt.
“I’m not too concerned,” deGrom explained. “Hopefully I’ll make my next [start], we’ll see. Tonight, it just — there in the second it was tight and just didn’t want to loosen up. I haven’t really had that before.”
Schumaker pulled deGrom rather than risk another inning once the staff learned the discomfort was in his arm.
Texas now has to wait on the imaging and additional medical opinions before knowing whether deGrom can stay on turn.
Jacob deGrom Two Strikeouts Away From Career Milestone
deGrom entered Thursday needing 5 strikeouts to reach 2,000 for his career. He got 3.
That leaves him at 1,998 heading into his next appearance. If he remains on schedule, his next chance would come during the Rangers’ upcoming home series against the Washington Nationals, which begins Tuesday at Globe Life Field.
deGrom had made 22 starts without going on the injured list before Thursday. He entered the night 8-7 with a 3.87 ERA.
Texas had already skipped his final scheduled start before the All-Star break after he dealt with left hip and glute soreness.
Last season, deGrom made 30 starts and went 12-8 with a 2.97 ERA. He struck out 185 over 172 2/3 innings and was named the Rangers’ co-Pitcher of the Year.
He is in the fourth season of the five-year, $185 million contract he signed with Texas in December 2022.
Texas Rangers Already Without Nathan Eovaldi
The uncertainty around deGrom comes with Nathan Eovaldi already on the 15-day injured list.
Eovaldi went on the IL Monday because of right posterior elbow inflammation. The move was made retroactive to Aug. 9, making him eligible to return Aug. 24.
Schumaker acknowledged after Thursday’s game that the Rangers’ starting pitching “has taken a hit.”
Jack Leiter could give Texas another option soon. He made his first Triple-A rehab start Thursday after undergoing right ankle surgery and is eligible to come off the 60-day injured list Aug. 18.
Peyton Gray replaced deGrom on Thursday and threw a scoreless inning with 2 strikeouts.
Texas entered Friday at 60-62 after losing three of four in Anaheim. Detroit held a half-game lead over the Rangers for the final American League Wild Card spot.
The Rangers opened a three-game series against the Athletics on Friday at Sutter Health Park.
