Texas Rangers pitcher Jon Gray escaped one jam in the third inning of his first spring training start, allowing no runs in Saturday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
In that third inning, he allowed his only hit of the game, a single to Braden Shewmake. That came after he allowed a walk to Dominic Fletcher.
Gray struck out Danny Mendick but then walked Andrew Benintendi to load the bases. Yoán Moncada lined out to third baseman Josh Smith, and Eloy Jiménez grounded out to Smith to help Gray get out of the jam.
“I got a little out of rhythm in the third inning, but up until that point, everything was really good,” Gray said.
In fact, Gray was perfect until then. He retired the first six hitters he faced, including striking out Benintendi, Moncada and Martín Maldonado.
Gray allowed just one hit, with four strikeouts and two walks. He threw 47 pitches, including 27 strikes.
“There are some adjustments I’ll have to make,” he said. “I got in trouble with the pitch clock once out there.”
The right-hander said earlier in spring training that the forearm issues that forced him onto the injured list late last season are behind him, thanks to rest and some additions to his workout regimen designed to strengthen his throwing arm.
During last year’s World Series run, the injury forced Gray into a bullpen role, as he wasn’t available until the American League Championship Series.
He was sharp. He went 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA in three appearances and 5 2/3 innings.
In Game 3 of the World Series, he entered the game after starter Max Scherzer left with an injury. Gray threw three shutout innings, allowing one hit.
He was 9-8 with a 4.12 ERA in 29 starts in 2023. He struck out 142 and walked 54 in 157.1 innings. He went on the injured list in mid-September with right lower forearm tightness.
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