Jacob deGrom Sharp in First Texas Rangers Spring Start

New Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom made his first official MLB Spring Training start on Sunday.

Jacob deGrom’s first Spring Training start for the Texas Rangers lasted three innings on Sunday against the Seattle Mariners.

deGrom was sharp. The right-hander allowed two hits and no runs, struck out four and walked none.

deGrom’s debut has been long anticipated since he signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers in December.

But, he reported to Spring Training with left side tightness on Feb. 14 and the Rangers took a safe approach with deGrom. He was shut down for four days and then began a light throwing program, followed by several bullpen sessions.

He last pitched on Monday against the Kansas City Royals’ Triple-A players in a back field game at the Surprise facility. The Rangers determined he was ready for a spring game after that.

The Mariners didn’t take it easy on him, bringing their ‘A’ lineup to Surprise, as they were playing split-squad games.

deGrom opened the game facing reigning American League Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez. deGrom’s first pitch was 99 mph and Rodriguez eventually flew out. deGrom gave up a triple to Jarred Kelenic, but he struck out Cal Raleigh and Cooper Hummel, both swinging, to end the frame.

In the second, deGrom got former Rangers outfielder Kole Calhoun to ground to Josh Jung at third base. Sam Haggerty followed with a groundout back to deGrom. Mike Ford struck out swinging to end the inning.

The third started with deGrom allowing a Mason McCoy single. After that, Leonardo Rivas popped out to shortstop Corey Seager, Rodriguez flew out to Adolis García in right and Kelenic struck out.

The Rangers took deGrom out after the third and replaced him with Brock Burke. deGrom threw 34 pitchers, 28 for strikes.

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