Inside The Rangers

WATCH: Jacob deGrom Makes Texas Rangers Spring MLB Debut

Jacob deGrom made his first Rangers MLB spring start and faced the reigning AL Rookie of the Year to lead off.

Matthew Postins

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Jacob deGrom made his first Texas Rangers Spring Training start on Sunday in Surprise, Ariz. The Seattle Mariners didn’t take it easy on him.

While the Mariners were playing a split-squad game, they made sure to take their Major League starters to Surprise.

deGrom pitched three innings, holding Seattle scoreless and striking out four. He allowed two hits and didn't walk a batter.

deGrom’s first pitch as a Rangers starter came against the reigning American League Rookie of the Year — Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez.

Yep, the same guy that wrecked Rangers pitching last season. Rodríguez hit .281/.344/.485/.830 with 21 home runs and 62 RBI last season, earning an All-Star berth, Silver Slugger award and finished seventh in AL MVP voting.

He was facing a two-time Cy Young winner in deGrom.

How did it go? Rodríguez flew out.

deGrom’s MLB debut has been long anticipated since he signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers in December. He last pitched on Monday against the Kansas City Royals’ Triple-A players in a back field game at the Surprise facility.

That 24-pitch outing was his most significant appearance before throwing 34 Sunday.

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Matthew Postins
MATTHEW POSTINS

Matthew Postins is an award-winning sports journalist who covers the Texas Rangers for Fan Nation/SI and also writes about the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. He also covers the Big 12 for HeartlandCollegeSports.com.

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