Jacob deGrom Takes Next Step in Texas Rangers Return

Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom threw his fourth bullpen session since going on the IL on Friday in Baltimore.

Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom took another step on the road to recovery by throwing breaking pitches Friday for the first time since going on the injured list.

“He looked pretty good,” manager Bruce Bochy said, according to the Dallas Morning News.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner “used his whole arsenal” in 31-pitch bullpen session at Camden Yards before the opener of a three-game series between the Rangers and Baltimore Orioles.

“He felt fine,” Bochy said. “We’ll see how he recovers from that.”

It was the second bullpen for deGrom on the current road trip and fourth overall. He had a 32-pitch session Monday in Pittsburgh that simulated two innings. The next step is likely facing live hitters.

The Rangers have not publicly shared whether deGrom will go on a rehab assignment before returning to the club. Bochy did acknowledge the possibility of deGrom foregoing a stint in the minors to be an “opener” and build up his pitch count in MLB games.

The right-hander last started on April 29 against the New York Yankees, leaving after four innings. A subsequent MRI exam revealed right elbow inflammation.

The American League West-leading Rangers don’t have any reason to rush deGrom 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.

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