DeGrom Scratched from Phillies Start with Neck Stiffness

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies due to neck stiffness, delaying the two-time Cy Young Award winner's season debut.

The Rangers turned to left-hander Jacob Latz to fill the spot in the second game of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Latz, who did not secure a rotation position during spring training, has spent most of his four seasons with Texas working out of the bullpen. No timeline was immediately available for deGrom's return, though team officials indicated minimal concern and suggested he could pitch during the Rangers' opening road trip against the Baltimore Orioles next week.

DeGrom's injury history has been a persistent challenge throughout the decade, particularly after a dominant stretch earlier in his career. His final two seasons with the New York Mets in 2021 and 2022 were marred by health issues, limiting his appearances before he entered free agency. He signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers following the 2022 campaign, but his 2023 debut season brought further setbacks. After just six starts—all victories for Texas before the...