Jacob deGrom is improving after a health issue earlier this week, according to Texas Rangers GM Chris Young.
Young told The Dallas Morning News that the two-time Cy Young Award winner remains ahead of where he normally is at this point in spring training. A Feb. 15 report noted that deGrom felt tightness in his left side after a bullpen session a couple of days earlier.
“He’s feeling really good,” Young said, via the Morning News. “He’s made a lot of improvement. Everything is going well. And he was throwing before he got here, so I think he will catch back up quickly. He was sort of ahead of schedule to where he’s been in the past.”
deGrom took the field Sunday, getting in some light throwing. His appearance prompted a meme that quickly made the rounds.
Jacob deGrom is back on the field, and he looks "explosive" 👀
🎥@ThreeTwoEephuspic.twitter.com/ZfvKIG4Flt
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) February 19, 2023
The 34-year-old deGrom has battled injuries the past two seasons, making only 26 regular season starts during that span for the New York Mets. After signing deGrom to a five-year, $185 million deal in the offseason, the Rangers are taking no chances with their investment. The Morning News reported the Rangers will likely stick deGrom in B-squad and intrasquad games to start.
deGrom remains a dominant force when healthy. In 11 starts last year, he posted a 3.08 ERA, with 102 strikeouts 64 ⅓ innings.
