Jacob deGrom pitched four innings, allowing only one run. Wyatt Langford and Adolis García hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning, helping the Texas Rangers win 5-2 against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.
DeGrom gave up four hits and struck out five batters in his third start since returning from Tommy John surgery two weeks ago. The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner hadn’t pitched in the majors since April 2023, but he says he’s “close” to feeling normal again after months of rehabilitation.
“There’s times in my windup or out of the stretch that I still feel that I have to think about a lot of things, versus, ‘There’s the glove, hit it,’” deGrom said. “That’s what this offseason will be — locking that in in spring training and getting everything ready and where it needs to be.”
In his three starts this month, deGrom has given up 11 hits and two runs over 10 2/3 innings. His fastball reached 98 mph against the Angels.
“I feel like that was the best one,” deGrom said. “The goal was to get out there and make a few starts. We were able to do that, and everything felt good. Felt like stuff was getting better each time. We go into the offseason feeling good about it.”
Texas manager Bruce Bochy mentioned before the game that deGrom would pitch five innings and about 75 pitches, but both the Rangers and deGrom decided to end his season after four innings and 53 pitches because they were pleased with his performance.
“It’s nice to know that we’re going to have a healthy deGrom next year,” Bochy said. “He’s got great stuff. We all know how good this guy can be. You’ve seen one of the best pitchers in the game. At his age, still throwing the ball the way he is, it shows you what this guy can do when he’s healthy.”
Carson Kelly had a strong game, hitting a home run, a double, and a single for the Rangers, who are ending their seventh losing season in eight years after winning the World Series last fall. Marcus Semien contributed with his 23rd home run in the ninth inning, marking his third hit of the night.
Daniel Robert (4-4) pitched the sixth inning for Texas, while Kirby Yates closed out the game in the ninth for his 32nd save in 33 opportunities.
