Rangers' Jacob deGrom Provides Positive Injury Update

Ace pitcher expects to return to rotation soon after missing start against Phillies

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:54pm

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Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom was a late scratch from his scheduled start against the Philadelphia Phillies due to neck stiffness, but the injury does not appear to be serious. deGrom played catch from 120 feet and is hopeful he can return to the rotation for the upcoming series against the Baltimore Orioles.

Why it matters

deGrom is a key part of the Rangers' starting rotation and his health is crucial for the team's success this season. Any extended absence would be a significant blow, so this positive update on his recovery is welcome news for the Rangers and their fans.

The details

deGrom was unable to make his scheduled start against the Phillies after experiencing neck stiffness. However, he reported feeling much better the following day and was able to play catch from 120 feet, which he couldn't do the previous day. While he still feels the effects of the injury, deGrom is optimistic about being able to start against the Orioles later this week.

  • deGrom was scratched from his start against the Phillies on March 29, 2026.
  • deGrom played catch from 120 feet on March 30, 2026, indicating his condition was improving.

The players

Jacob deGrom

A veteran right-handed pitcher for the Texas Rangers who was a late scratch from his start due to neck stiffness.

Skip Schumaker

The manager of the Texas Rangers who explained the decision to start Nathan Eovaldi over deGrom on Opening Day.

Nathan Eovaldi

The Rangers' Opening Day starter, chosen over deGrom due to his leadership and the importance of the home opener.

MacKenzie Gore

Another pitcher in the Rangers' rotation who was considered for the Opening Day start.

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What they’re saying

“Jacob deGrom said his neck feels 'much better' today. He played catch from 120 feet, which he couldn't do yesterday. He still feels it a bit, but he's hopeful about being able to start in Baltimore this week.”

— Kennedi Landry, MLB.com reporter

“With the leadership [Eovaldi] provides and the standards that he set, I know you could probably make an argument for all three of those guys with Evo, deGrom, and [MacKenzie] Gore. So I shouldn't say it's an easy decision, but it does line up for another guy to have the home opener start, which I think is important as well. They both deserve one of those, so this was a no-brainer for me to give each of them that opportunity.”

— Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers Manager

What’s next

deGrom is hopeful he can return to the rotation and make his next scheduled start against the Baltimore Orioles later this week.

The takeaway

This injury scare for deGrom is a reminder of the importance of pitching depth, but the positive update on his recovery is a relief for the Rangers as they look to build on their success from last season.