Jacob deGrom could make spring debut Monday

It sounds like Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom is feeling just fine following his latest workout. 

Per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters Friday that deGrom will throw again on Saturday as the 34-year-old prepares to face live batters in an exhibition game. Depending on how deGrom feels on Sunday, he could be cleared to make his spring training debut Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

"He's in a good place right now," Bochy said about deGrom. "Knock on wood, all goes well with him, he'll have three outings here before he starts the season."

The two-time National League Cy Young Award winner threw in a batting practice session against hitters for the first time in a Texas uniform on Wednesday after he reported what was initially said to be "a little tightness" in his left side in the middle of February. The Rangers understandably have been taking things slowly with deGrom's recovery from that setback considering his lengthy injury history and the massive contract he signed this past fall. 

In total, deGrom made just 26 regular-season starts with the New York Mets across the last two campaigns before he opted out of his contract. While it was thought at the time he could remain with the Amazins, he ultimately signed a five-year deal reportedly worth $185 million that includes a conditional sixth-year option with the Rangers in early December. 

Despite understandable fears about deGrom's health, MLB nevertheless featured him among other big-name pitchers in a tweet shared on Friday: