Rangers Ace Jacob deGrom Makes Spring Training Debut

Veteran pitcher ramps up for 2026 season after injury-plagued years

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Jacob deGrom, the Texas Rangers' ace pitcher, made his 2026 spring training debut on Wednesday against the Brazilian National Team as part of the World Baseball Classic exhibition games. deGrom pitched two innings, allowing one run on a solo home run, as the Rangers won 13-2. The Rangers plan to take a cautious approach with deGrom's workload this season to keep him healthy and strong for a potential September playoff push.

Why it matters

deGrom is a five-time All-Star and former Cy Young Award winner, but he has been plagued by injuries in recent years, limiting him to just 35 starts from 2021-2024. The Rangers are hoping a careful buildup will allow deGrom to stay healthy and contribute for the full season as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

In his spring training debut, deGrom threw 54% fastballs, averaging 97.6 mph, a tick above his 2025 average. The lone run he allowed came on a solo home run to Brazil's Lucas Ramirez, son of former MLB star Manny Ramirez. The Rangers plan to limit deGrom's pitch count early in the season, similar to their approach last year, to keep him fresh for a potential September playoff push.

  • deGrom made his 2026 spring training debut on Wednesday, March 5.
  • In 2025, deGrom recorded a 2.97 ERA over 172 2/3 innings for the Rangers.

The players

Jacob deGrom

A five-time All-Star and former Cy Young Award winner, deGrom is the ace of the Texas Rangers' pitching staff.

Lucas Ramirez

A 19-year-old prospect drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2024, Ramirez hit a solo home run off deGrom while playing for the Brazilian National Team.

Manny Ramirez

Former MLB star who coached his son Lucas throughout his childhood.

Skip Schumaker

The manager of the Texas Rangers, who is taking a cautious approach with deGrom's workload this season.

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What they’re saying

“I threw a fastball, and it was just middle-middle. The shape of everything was good, I just threw it right down the middle.”

— Jacob deGrom (azpbs.org)

“Last year, I was able to make 30 starts and felt like I could have kept going. If we would have made the playoffs, I felt like I was ready to go, so we'll build off that and just see how this year's going and hopefully run up there as many times as I can.”

— Jacob deGrom (azpbs.org)

“It's going to be a very similar approach to get the best out of him and for us and also be strong to make a September push. Hopefully there's meaningful games in September where we can use him, and he's built up by then to let it go.”

— Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers Manager (azpbs.org)

What’s next

The Rangers will continue to monitor deGrom's workload throughout spring training, gradually increasing his pitch count and innings to have him ready for the start of the regular season and a potential playoff push in September.

The takeaway

After years of injury struggles, the Rangers are taking a cautious approach with deGrom to ensure he can stay healthy and contribute for the full 2026 season. If successful, deGrom's return to form could be a major boost for the Rangers' playoff aspirations.