Spring Training Roundup: Rangers’ deGrom takes the mound against minor leaguers

Two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom lastly pitched in a recreation for the Texas Rangers, although it was on a again subject in opposition to minor leaguers.

The Rangers have been cautious with their prized addition since he reported tightness in his left aspect earlier than the primary spring coaching exercise simply lower than a month in the past. His first spring begin got here within the more-controlled surroundings for Triple-A Round Rock on Monday, when he struck out 5 of the eight batters he confronted whereas throwing 20 of 24 pitches for strikes over two innings in opposition to Kansas City minor leaguers on the advanced the large league franchises share in Surprise, Arizona.

“The first couple of batters, I didn’t locate my fastball that well,” deGrom stated. “The second inning, I dialled it in a little bit bit. Everything felt nice. I threw all 4 pitches. I’m actually proud of it. Changeup, curveball I believe are going to be plus-pitches this yr. I used to be in a position to combine them in fairly a bit.”

New Rangers supervisor Bruce Bochy stated deGrom appeared “really good” together with his supply and velocity, and acquired higher as he went.

The solely hit allowed by deGrom was an inside-the-park residence run by Omar Hernandez, the second batter confronted. The ball ricocheted excessive off the batter’s eye in heart subject and previous two outfielders.

After his two innings within the recreation, deGrom threw 23 extra pitches within the bullpen. He stated he anticipates being prepared for opening day on March 30.

Texas signed deGrom to a $185 million, five-year contract in December. He spent his first 9 huge league seasons with the New York Mets. however accidents restricted him to 156 1/3 innings in 26 begins over the previous two seasons. The 34-year-old right-hander threw about six bullpen periods earlier than arriving in Arizona however was delayed in throwing in camp after telling the group he was stiff.

“The last thing I want to do is call in and say my left side is a little tight. (The Rangers) handled it great, they said let’s take four days and knock it out. Get it behind us,” deGrom said. “This one was interesting because if I had it during the season I would have pitched with it. We caught it early enough. We have plenty of time let’s do the smart thing here.”

ALSO ON BACK FIELDS

— Max Scherzer made his scheduled begin Monday for the New York Mets in a minor league recreation.

The right-hander allowed 5 runs (three earned) over components of 5 innings. Three of the innings have been minimize quick due to his pitch rely.

Tylor Megill, who may get a shot within the beginning rotation because of lefty José Quintana’s fractured rib, struck out three in 4 scoreless innings in the principle recreation for the Mets in opposition to the Miami Marlins.

— While deGrom was pitching in his minor league recreation, one other of the Rangers’ offseason additions was doing the identical on the Surprise advanced. Nathan Eovaldi, who has additionally handled tightness in his aspect, allowed two hits in two scoreless innings whereas pitching for Double-A Frisco. The right-hander threw 22 of his 29 pitches for strikes.

QUINTANA UPDATE

The New York Mets count on to have an replace this week on the standing of left-hander Quintana, the free-agent addition who has a stress fracture in a rib on his left aspect.

Mets common supervisor Billy Eppler stated Monday that the group was nonetheless getting extra info from medical doctors after the pitcher went from Florida to New York for additional analysis.

Quintana, who signed a $26 million, two-year deal throughout the offseason, threw in a minor-league exhibition recreation on March 5 earlier than the prognosis of the stress fracture that was revealed final week. He by no means made it to pitch for Colombia within the World Baseball Classic.

Eppler stated the group would supply an replace when it has all the info. While not denying a New York Post report Monday that the pitcher can be shut down from throwing for 3 months, the GM known as it untimely.

The 34-year-old Quintana was 6-7 with a 2.93 ERA mixed whereas pitching for Pittsburgh and St. Louis final season. He is 89-87 with a 3.75 ERA in 315 video games (289 begins) over 11 huge league seasons with six groups.

MUSGROVE’S BIG TOE

San Diego Padres All-Star pitcher Joe Musgrove on Monday threw his second bullpen session since breaking his left huge toe when he dropped a kettlebell two weeks in the past.

“Again, it’s miraculous, he didn’t feel it at all,” Padres supervisor Bob Melvin stated. “You’re watching to see his reaction on every pitch if he’s reacting at all to the toe. And all he’s talking about is grips. … Looks like we’re on a pretty good path.”

The huge right-hander, who additionally threw a bullpen session Saturday, is now set to return to San Diego for what was a deliberate analysis to watch his progress.

Melvin stated he nonetheless thought of it a “longshot” for Musgrove to pitch opening day on March 30 in opposition to Colorado, and was not sure of the hometown pitcher’s timeline. Musgrove may nonetheless keep away from a stint on the injured checklist and pitch within the opening six-game homestand.

While Musgrove goes into his third season with the Padres, that is the beginning of a $100 million, five-year contract he signed late final season.

RIZZO’S BACK

Anthony Rizzo stated he felt fantastic after taking some batting observe Monday, a day after being scratched from the New York Yankees lineup due to his again.

While Rizzo didn’t play once more Monday, the group has stated it didn’t consider the issue was severe. The 33-year-old first baseman who’s going into his thirteenth season acknowledged early in spring coaching that he can be loopy to say he wouldn’t have a again challenge this yr. He acquired an epidural injection final season.

The Yankees re-signed Rizzo in mid-November to a $40 million, two-year contract, after he hit .224 with 32 residence runs and 75 RBIs in 130 video games final yr after spending the earlier 10 seasons with the Chicago Cubs.

RAYS ON BASE

Tampa Bay gained its exhibition recreation 9-5 over Detroit on Monday, when the Rays had all eight of their hits and all of their runs within the first three innings.

The Rays despatched 24 batters to the plate within the first three innings, with 15 of them reaching base (eight hits, six walks, one hit batsman) and one other hitting a sacrifice fly. The different eight outs have been six strikeouts and two infield popups.

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