Rangers Announce Opening Day Starter vs. Phillies

The Texas Rangers will start their top free-agent acquisition, Jacob deGrom, against Philadelphia on Thursday.

Jacob deGrom starting Opening Day for the Texas Rangers wasn't the worst kept secret ever, but it was obvious that the prized offseason signing would take the ball first when the regular season broke.

Now it's official.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy announced Friday that deGrom is facing the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday at Globe Life Field.

"We think he's good to go," Bochy said.

The defending National League champion are sending Aaron Nola to the mound opposite deGrom.

RHP Jacob deGrom is the Rangers' scheduled starting pitcher for Opening Day, March 30 vs. Philadelphia.

— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) March 24, 2023

It's been assumed that deGrom would start Opening Day starter since signing a five-year, $185 million contract in December. Bochy also hinted as much recently. 

He is the third Cy Young winner to start Opening Day for the Rangers.

Fergie Jenkins did so in twice — in 1975 against Minnesota and 1979 when at Detroit. Gaylord Perry did it in 1976 against Minnesota.

deGrom has not pitched much during spring, at least not in Major League games. He reported to Surprise with left side tightness and was shut down for four days. He ramped back up with bullpen sessions, a batting practice session and a start on the back field against Kansas City Royals minor leaguers.

He made his MLB spring training debut Sunday. In three innings, he allowed two hits and no runs, struck out four and walked none against the Seattle Mariners.

Bochy was sold on deGrom's readiness.

"This just makes all the sense in the world to us," Bochy said.

The Rangers are set to break Spring Training this week and head back to Arlington for exhibition games at Globe Life Field against Kansas City on Monday and Tuesday.

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