Jacob deGrom will start for the Texas Rangers tonight against the Baltimore Orioles, the team announced this morning.
deGrom was originally scheduled to start this past Saturday in Philadelphia against the Phillies. He woke up that morning with a stiff neck, however, and with it being a blustery 45 degree day, the Rangers opted to push their 37 year old ace back and use Jacob Latz as a spot starter in his place. Latz responded with four no-hit innings in the Rangers’ 5-4 victory.
The Rangers indicated
at the time that the deGrom issue was minor, and they anticipated him starting on this road trip, which concludes tomorrow. deGrom will have the benefit of pitching in balmy 80 degree weather this evening, which I have to think is preferable to pitching in 45 degree weather.
The Rangers have not yet announced a starter for Wednesday’s matinee game in Baltimore, which starts at 11:35 a.m. Central. Kumar Rocker, who was originally expected to start today before deGrom was pushed back, could get the nod. Alternatively, the Rangers could go with Nathan Eovaldi, who started the season opener on Thursday, and would be going on five days rest.
