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Jacob deGrom Scratched Due to Neck Stiffness; Latz to Start

3/28/2026

34 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers was scratched from his start against the Philadelphia Phillies due to neck stiffness.
Jacob Latz will start in deGrom's place on the Rangers' six-game road trip.
The Rangers believe neck stiffness is not serious and deGrom may pitch later in the trip to Baltimore.
DeGrom underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023 and returned last season with 30 starts and a 2.97 ERA.

History

Historical Context

In 1974, Dr. Frank Jobe performed the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, known as Tommy John surgery, on pitcher Tommy John, who later returned to win 164 games. This groundbreaking procedure has since been performed over 25,000 times, revolutionizing sports medicine and enabling many athletes, like Jacob deGrom, to extend their careers despite injuries, reshaping team strategies in managing player health.

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Story summary

Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers was scratched from his start against the Philadelphia Phillies due to neck stiffness.
Jacob Latz will start in deGrom's place on the Rangers' six-game road trip.
The Rangers believe neck stiffness is not serious and deGrom may pitch later in the trip to Baltimore.
DeGrom underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023 and returned last season with 30 starts and a 2.97 ERA.

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