Full Breakdown
Jacob deGrom’s Early Exit Highlights Texas Rangers’ Pitching Woes
8/14/2026, 10:01:50 PM
The Immediate Event
On August 13, 2026, Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom left his start against the Los Angeles Angels after two innings because of right-triceps fatigue. He threw 53 pitches (35 strikes), allowed two earned runs on six hits, walked one batter and struck out three. The loss widened the Rangers’ record to 8-8 and raised his ERA to 3.95.
Background & Context
DeGrom, a two-time Cy Young winner, has dealt with injuries since joining Texas in 2023, including a left-hip/glute strain and Tommy John surgery that ended his 2023 season. The rotation is thin: veteran Nathan Eovaldi was placed on the 15-day injured list for right-elbow inflammation earlier in the week, and other starters such as Jack Leiter remain sidelined. The team entered the game 60-61, trailing the Houston Astros by 1½ games in the AL West and a half-game behind the Detroit Tigers for the third wild-card spot.
Data & Statistics
- Pitch count: 53 total (35 strikes)
- Line: 2 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 3 K
- Career strikeouts: 1,998, two shy of the 2,000 milestone
- Season performance: 8-7 record, 3.95 ERA, 1.13 WHIP over 120 2/3 innings
Official Statements & Responses
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said the decision to pull deGrom was driven by the triceps issue, emphasizing the team’s reluctance to risk further injury. DeGrom noted he was “not too concerned” and hoped to be ready for his next start, describing the tightness in the second inning as unusual. The club announced imaging the following day to assess the fatigue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Obviously, you don’t want to hear anything arm-related,” — Skip Schumaker, Rangers manager
- “I wasn’t going to risk it once I heard the tricep,” — Skip Schumaker, Rangers manager
Why It Matters
DeGrom’s early departure adds to the Rangers’ rotation instability at a pivotal point in the season. With the team hovering near .500 and within striking distance of both the AL West lead and the wild-card race, any extended absence of their ace could jeopardize postseason hopes. The loss of two active pitchers—deGrom and Eovaldi—places additional strain on the remaining staff, including Jordan Montgomery and Cal Quantrill, who have been shifted to bullpen roles.
Timeline
- May 22 – DeGrom recorded a 34-pitch first inning at Angel Stadium, his season-high.
- July 7 – He experienced hip and leg discomfort in a prior start against the Angels.
- August 13, 2026 – Early exit due to right-triceps fatigue; imaging scheduled for the next day.
What’s Next
The Rangers will review the imaging results on Friday to decide whether deGrom will be placed on the injured list or can return sooner. His next scheduled start, originally set for the following week against the Washington Nationals, remains uncertain pending the medical assessment.
