Breaking Balls, Live Hitters Next for Texas Rangers Ace Jacob deGrom

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom is ramping up his injury rehab with am upcoming session against batters.

Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom threw a third bullpen session in Pittsburgh on Monday on his road to recovery. But he may need one more session before facing live hitters, according to published reports. 

deGrom is accompanying the team on the current nine-game road trip that begins Monday night at the Pittsburgh Pirates. He threw 32 pitches at PNC Park, up from the 25 he managed Friday in Arlington, and did an “up/down,” which simulates the break between innings. 

deGrom threw the equivalent of two innings – 17 in the “first” and 15 in the “second.”

“He felt great,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “He will start spinning it now.”

deGrom will reportedly throw again Friday in Baltimore, where the Rangers start a three-game series with the Orioles. That session will likely include deGrom throwing breaking balls.

After that, he still needs to throw to live hitters before the Rangers consider a rehab assignment. Or the Rangers could forgo a rehab stint and elect to use deGrom as an opener on a pitch count as he continues to build up.

“It’s possible,” Bochy said. “It’s a good question. We’ve discussed every possibility. You could almost use him like an opener.”

The two-time Cy Young Award winner has not pitched since exiting his start against the New York Yankees after four innings on April 29. A subsequent MRI exam revealed right elbow inflammation.

The Rangers have proceeded with caution regarding their prized offseason acquisition, making sure deGrom isn’t rushed back. He’s already had a few minor injury scares since joining the club, including getting shut down early in Spring Training and leaving two starts early.

The Rangers have yet to publicly put a timetable on deGrom’s return, but it’s appearing likely that it won’t come until June at the earliest.

The Dallas Morning News and MLB.com both reported the deGrom bullpen session Monday. 

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