The Texas Rangers’ right-hander remains on track to return in late August, having thrown 35 pitches before Friday’s second-half opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field.
deGrom first threw off a mound on June 17 and again while the club was in Anaheim last week. He added a few changeups in Anaheim and included four or five sliders on Friday, according to Rangers manager Bruce Bochy.
“All went well,” Bochy said. “He felt great. It was a good outing for him.”
deGrom, 36, underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2023 after starting the season 2-0 with a 2.67 ERA in six starts for the Rangers. The 10-year veteran won Cy Young awards in 2018 and 2019 with the New York Mets.
The Rangers signed deGrom as a free agent to a five-year, $185 million contract in December 2022. He’s earning $40 million this season and in 2025, with the deal decreasing to $38 million in 2026 and $37 million in 2027. There is also a $37 million mutual option for 2028.
During the Rangers’ team workout on Thursday, deGrom practiced fielding at first base and shagging balls at shortstop.
deGrom isn’t the only Rangers pitcher nearing a return. Tyler Mahle, who had Tommy John surgery in May 2023, makes his fourth rehab start for Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.
Right-hander Dane Dunning, who has been on the IL with shoulder soreness, is scheduled to follow Mahle with a rehab appearance and could be activated the following day.
Left-hander Cody Bradford, who has been on the IL with a fractured rib since April, is throwing in the Arizona Complex League Friday night.