Rangers Ace Jacob deGrom Scratched from 2026 Season Debut

Rangers hope deGrom can return later in opening road trip after dealing with neck stiffness

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:04pm

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The Texas Rangers were dealt a blow just hours before their second game of the 2026 MLB season, as ace pitcher Jacob deGrom was scratched from his scheduled start against the Philadelphia Phillies due to neck stiffness. The Rangers do not believe the issue is serious, and are hopeful deGrom can return later in their opening road trip.

Why it matters

deGrom is a key part of the Rangers' rotation and their hopes of contending in 2026 after a disappointing 2025 season. Any injury concerns surrounding their top starter are worrying, even if this issue is considered minor at the moment.

The details

The Rangers were set to have deGrom face off against Phillies ace Aaron Nola in the second game of the season, but instead will turn to Jacob Latz to start in deGrom's place. deGrom, who is just 149 strikeouts away from 2,000 for his career, dealt with injuries in 2023 and 2024 before bouncing back with 30 starts and a 2.97 ERA in 2025.

  • The Rangers were set to have deGrom start against the Phillies on March 28, 2026.
  • deGrom was scratched from that start just hours before the game was scheduled to begin.

The players

Jacob deGrom

The Texas Rangers' ace right-handed starting pitcher who was scratched from his 2026 season debut due to neck stiffness.

Jacob Latz

The pitcher who will start in deGrom's place for the Rangers against the Phillies.

Aaron Nola

The Philadelphia Phillies' ace starting pitcher who was set to face deGrom before the Rangers' ace was scratched.

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What they’re saying

“Jacob deGrom has been scratched with neck stiffness. Jacob Latz will start in his place. The Rangers do not believe this is serious, and he could start later on the road trip.”

— Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News reporter

What’s next

The Rangers will monitor deGrom's recovery and hope he can return to the rotation later in their opening road trip. They will turn to Latz to make the spot start against the Phillies in deGrom's absence.

The takeaway

This is an early setback for the Rangers, who are counting on deGrom to anchor their rotation as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. While the team believes the neck issue is not serious, any injury concerns surrounding their top starter are worrying, even if it's considered minor at this stage.