The Texas Rangers received a much-needed dose of optimism regarding Jacob deGrom on Saturday, but the veteran ace is still unlikely to make his next scheduled start after experiencing right triceps fatigue earlier in the week.
DeGrom was removed from Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels after just two innings because of discomfort and fatigue in his throwing arm. The early exit immediately raised concerns for a Rangers club already dealing with significant problems in its starting rotation.
Fortunately for Texas, subsequent medical evaluations produced encouraging results. DeGrom underwent imaging on Friday, and the examination did not reveal the kind of serious structural problem the Rangers had feared. By Saturday, the right-hander was feeling considerably better, providing the organization with some relief.
Despite the positive update, manager Skip Schumaker indicated that the team is likely to take a cautious approach rather than immediately put deGrom back on the mound.
DeGrom is currently scheduled to pitch Wednesday against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field, but Schumaker acknowledged that it may be unrealistic for the 38-year-old pitcher to be ready by then.
Schumaker did not completely rule out the possibility, but his comments suggested that Texas is preparing for the likelihood of moving deGrom’s start back.
The Rangers have little incentive to take unnecessary risks with their most accomplished pitcher, particularly given deGrom’s extensive injury history. Although the latest issue appears less serious than initially feared, Texas will want to make sure the triceps has fully recovered before allowing him to resume competitive pitching.
DeGrom reported feeling good Saturday, but he had not yet resumed his throwing program. That is an important step because the Rangers will need to see how his arm responds once he begins playing catch again.
The situation is particularly significant because deGrom has become one of the team’s most dependable rotation members since returning from his previous major injury problems. After missing almost all of the 2023 and 2024 seasons following Tommy John surgery, he has managed to remain off the injured list during the 2025 and 2026 campaigns.
In 2025, deGrom returned to an All-Star level, making 30 starts while posting a 2.97 ERA. He has also remained an important part of Texas’ rotation this season, making 23 starts and recording a 3.95 ERA before the latest setback.
His durability has therefore been a major positive for the Rangers, making this latest triceps issue something the organization will continue to monitor carefully even with the encouraging test results.
The Rangers’ rotation situation makes the uncertainty even more complicated.
Texas was already without Nathan Eovaldi, who was placed on the injured list because of right posterior elbow inflammation. Now deGrom could potentially miss his next turn, leaving the Rangers with another hole to fill.
At the same time, the club is working to determine when Jack Leiter can return to the rotation.
Leiter is currently on the 60-day injured list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to address a right ankle posterior impingement. However, he recently took an encouraging step in his recovery by making a rehabilitation appearance for Triple-A Round Rock.
During that outing, Leiter threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings and delivered 48 pitches. Schumaker was pleased with what he saw, particularly the life on Leiter’s fastball, the effectiveness of his slider and the performance of his changeup.
Most importantly, Leiter reported no problems with either his arm or his surgically repaired ankle.
The original plan was for Leiter to make another rehabilitation start and gradually increase his workload. However, the circumstances surrounding the Rangers’ rotation could force the club to reconsider that timeline.
If deGrom is unable to make his scheduled start and Eovaldi remains unavailable, Texas could potentially accelerate Leiter’s return. The Rangers will have to balance their immediate need for starting pitching against the importance of ensuring Leiter is completely prepared before returning to the majors.
For the moment, the club has other options. Right-hander Cal Quantrill and left-hander Jordan Montgomery could potentially take on additional rotation responsibilities if Texas needs replacements.
Still, neither option provides the same impact as a healthy deGrom.
The Rangers have invested heavily in their ace, and his $185 million contract reflects the role the organization expects him to play at the front of the rotation. With Texas trying to navigate a difficult stretch of the season, keeping deGrom healthy is arguably more important than rushing him back for one start.
The encouraging news is that deGrom’s imaging did not reveal a major problem and that he was feeling better by Saturday. The next major test will come when he resumes throwing.
If he experiences no setbacks, the Rangers could potentially bring him back shortly after his scheduled Wednesday start. But if the triceps fatigue persists, the team could give him additional rest and rearrange the rotation.
For now, Texas appears willing to prioritize caution over urgency. DeGrom’s health, along with the recoveries of Leiter and Eovaldi, could have a major influence on how the Rangers manage their pitching staff during the coming weeks.
The Rangers desperately need their $185 million ace back, but they need him healthy even more.
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