Rangers' deGrom exits start with triceps fatigue as Texas suffers third straight loss
Jacob deGrom undergoes imaging Friday after early exit; Rangers fall behind Detroit Tigers in standings
Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom was removed from his start against the Los Angeles Angels after two innings on Thursday night due to right triceps fatigue. The 38-year-old two-time Cy Young Award winner gave up six hits, one walk, and two runs on 53 pitches before being pulled by the coaching staff.
DeGrom, who recorded a strikeout and allowed an RBI single to second baseman Adam Frazier in the second inning, stated he was not overly concerned about the issue. He noted that his arm felt tight and failed to loosen up during the frame, a sensation he described as unusual for his routine.
"I’m not too concerned," deGrom said following the game. "Hopefully I’ll make my next [start], we’ll see. Tonight, it just — there in the second it was tight and just didn’t want to loosen up."
The Rangers are scheduled to undergo medical imaging on Friday to assess the extent of the fatigue. DeGrom’s availability for his next scheduled start remains uncertain as management evaluates the situation.
Peyton Gray relieved deGrom, with Texas utilising five relievers in total during the contest. The Angels capitalised on the shift, scoring seven runs, including a four-run fifth inning featuring RBI hits from Denzer Guzman, Josh Lowe, and Jose Siri.
Los Angeles pitcher Walbert Ureña threw six scoreless innings for his second shutout in three outings. All nine Angels starters recorded a hit in the 7-0 victory, which marked the Rangers' third consecutive defeat.
The loss extends the Rangers' struggles in the series against the Angels, where they have lost three of four games. The team now sits at 60-62, half a game behind the Detroit Tigers in the standings.
DeGrom’s current season statistics include a 3.95 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP over 120 ⅔ innings, figures described as career-worst for the veteran pitcher. While he has been relatively healthy over the previous two years, including an All-Star nod in 2025, the current injury adds to a depleted rotation.
The Rangers are also missing right-handers Jack Leiter, who is dealing with an ankle injury, and Nathan Eovaldi, who was placed on the injured list earlier this week with posterior elbow inflammation.
