What started off as a routine day for Jacob deGrom quickly became a headache for the Texas Rangers. The ace got scratched from his start with neck stiffness, and the club braced for the worst.
Just a day later, though, deGrom said he felt much better and sounded hopeful about pitching this week. The Rangers are still being careful, checking in on him daily and weighing a possible return against any risk of lingering tightness.
Skip Schumaker is steering the ship right now, and the Rangers seem intent on protecting their investment. They’re pushing for a healthier pitching staff, but you can tell they’re not about to gamble on deGrom’s health.
Injury Update: deGrom’s Neck Stiffness and Early Signs of Recovery
He was supposed to start Saturday, but that plan changed fast when he woke up with a stiff neck. The club called it “transient,” but it was enough to put a halt on his return to the mound.
By Sunday, deGrom said he felt “much better” and sounded cautiously optimistic about pitching soon. He’s taking it one step at a time, not making any promises.
The team’s being deliberate—he’s throwing at short distances, slowly ramping up toward live action. They’re not rushing anything, and honestly, who can blame them?
According to the staff, the plan’s still up in the air. If things break right, Tuesday or Wednesday are the likeliest targets for a return against Baltimore.
The Rangers need him in the rotation, but they’re not about to risk another injury. The Associated Press chipped in some reporting here, too.
Timeline for a Return
DeGrom, 37, didn’t pitch in this week’s rotation after the stiffness popped up. Still, he made enough progress to stay in the conversation for a near-term return.
He played catch and threw out to 120 feet. Now, it’s about seeing how he responds over the next day or two—maybe 24 to 48 hours will tell the story.
The club’s not rushing. They want a slow, steady reintroduction, making it clear they care more about long-term durability than a quick fix.
Context: deGrom’s Injury History and What It Means for Texas
Texas fans remember the hype when deGrom arrived, but his injury history has always been a worry. In 2022 with the Rangers, he put up a 12-8 record, a 2.97 ERA, and 185 strikeouts—just the kind of ace numbers Texas dreamed about.
Injuries have limited his time on the mound since then. In 2023 with the Mets, he was already dealing with physical issues, and after signing with Texas, he only managed six starts before Tommy John surgery.
The medical staff keeps stressing patience and a slow recovery. They want the long-term payoff, not just a quick boost to the rotation.
With all the elbow and shoulder problems lately, the Rangers are giving deGrom as much time as he needs. The front office has made it clear: no rushing him back into a high-pressure spot.
They’re sticking to a conservative plan, building depth, and hoping to protect one of baseball’s best arms for the future. It’s a smart move, even if it means waiting a little longer.
Impact on the Rangers’ Rotation and Schedule
If deGrom comes back by Tuesday or Wednesday, Texas might put him right back at the top of the rotation. They’re already juggling a tough stretch of games, so getting their ace back would be huge.
The team keeps checking in on him, hoping his neck stiffness clears up soon. The Orioles series is lurking, and it’s hard not to wonder how quickly they’ll let him return.
Over the next few days, the big question is how he recovers after each throwing session. Any sign of stiffness coming back will definitely slow things down.
They’ll watch how he handles ramping up—light bullpen work, maybe a simulated game, and then, if all goes well, a real start. Texas takes it one day at a time, weighing the risks and rewards.
- What to watch next: how far and hard he throws, daily medical updates, and any new notes from the training staff.
- Signals of readiness: no pain or soreness after throwing, especially when facing batters or doing fielding drills.
- Impact on the roster: possible tweaks to the rotation and bullpen, depending on when deGrom is actually ready.
Here is the source article for this story: Rangers’ Jacob deGrom ‘better’ after missing season debut
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