Apr 17, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Texas Rangers at Kansas City Royals
(New York, NY) — Rangers pitcher Jacob DeGrom is inching closer to a return.
The flame thrower threw a 32-pitch bullpen session on Monday as he works to return from right elbow inflammation. It was the equivalent of two innings and was his third bullpen session in the last six days.
DeGrom rested after a 17-pitch “first-inning” and then threw another 15. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy says the session went “really well.”
“He said he feels great and didn’t feel anything at all there.”
The Rangers ace told reporters he’s “turned a corner.”
DeGrom is expected to throw another session on Friday where he will start throwing breaking balls again.
Bochy said no timetable has been established for deGrom’s return, and that the 34-year-old could possibly be added to the active roster without a minor league rehab assignment.
DeGrom has been on the 15-day injured list since April 29.
Texas has won all six games started by deGrom (2-0), but he has been limited to 30⅓ innings. He has a 2.67 ERA with 45 strikeouts and four walks.
The two-time Cy Young award winner inked a five-year, $185 million deal with Texas this past offseason.
He made just 38 starts and pitched 224 1/3 total innings over the past three seasons with the New York Mets.
