'He looked like Jacob': deGrom checking boxes ahead of spring debut

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Friday will be a notable day for the Rangers’ spring, as Jacob deGrom is slated to make his Cactus League debut against the Rockies at Salt River Fields.

deGrom threw 25 pitches on Saturday in his first live batting practice session of the spring. Facing Joc Pederson and Kevin Pillar, deGrom threw 14 of his pitches for strikes, striking out two and walking one during eight simulated at-bats.

One observer estimated that deGrom was throwing at about 80-90 percent effort, but he looked like his vintage self.

“He looked good,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “He looked like Jacob; the stuff, everything. He felt good. I think he came out of it fine.”

The 36-year-old is looking for his first full healthy season since 2020, having made only 35 starts over the past four years. deGrom hasn’t thrown more than 100 innings since 2019 (he made all 12 of his starts during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, but logged only 68 innings), and underwent his second Tommy John surgery in 2023 after making only six starts.

deGrom made three starts after returning last September, but the Rangers have hopes that he will be able to stay healthy and provide the top-of-the-rotation arm they signed after the 2022 season.

Texas decided to take things slow with deGrom this spring, but despite the deliberate pace to his camp to this point, Bochy said he expects the right-hander to be ready to take the ball when the season begins.

“There's time,” Bochy said. “He'll get the innings he needs to be ready to pitch that first week.”