Rangers update spring training plan for ace Jacob deGrom

The Texas Rangers have updated their spring training plans for ace Jacob deGrom after his latest workout. 

As mentioned by Jesús Cano of the MLB website and Fox 4 News, deGrom faced live batters from a mound for the first time this spring on Wednesday after he had his preparations for the upcoming season stalled last month when he felt "a little tightness" in his left side. While the Rangers plan to re-evaluate deGrom on Friday, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said the 34-year-old could be on track to make up to three spring training starts before Opening Day. 

Perhaps most promising, deGrom hit 100 mph during his 35 pitches. CBS Sports' Jim Bowden referred to the right-hander's velocity as "a relief." 

Meanwhile, deGrom noted that he is "trying to make a couple of mechanical adjustments" before he faces live batters in an exhibition game. 

"I didn't like how my arm was coming up and I was trying to make some changes to that," deGrom added. "[My] slider was not very good today, but I was able to locate the fastball and pretty much know where I wanted to." 

Numerous injury issues limited deGrom to just 26 starts with the New York Mets over the past two regular seasons. Nevertheless, he opted out of his contract following the 2022 campaign and then signed a five-year deal reportedly worth $185 million which carries a conditional sixth-year option with the Rangers in early December. 

Bochy indicated he expects deGrom will find the form and health that helped him become a two-time National League Cy Young Award winner while with the Mets.

"It was the Jake we know," Bochy said of deGrom's session. "He wasn't holding back. He was letting it go using all his pitches. It was just a really positive day." 

Understandably, some Texas fans may still worry about deGrom's long-term availability until they see him complete a spring training start without incident.