Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom scores perfectly in second rehab start for Round Rock

Jacob deGrom had two strikeouts in two perfect innings on Tuesday night in his second rehab start since Tommy John surgery.

The Texas Rangers right-hander threw an extra inning in the bullpen, about 16 pitches, for a total of 40 pitches on the night. Against Oklahoma City, he threw 24 pitches, including 16 strikes. His fastball reached 99.5 mph, his changeup maxed out at 98.5 mph and his slider maxed out at 92.5 mph.

Three batters had exit velocities of 90 mph or more against him, including a 93.4 mph lineout to center in the first and a 95.4 mph flyout and 100.6 mph lineout to center in the second.

Rangers relief pitcher Josh Sborz also made his second rehab appearance on Tuesday. He pitched the third inning and shut down the team with 15 pitches, including eight strikes. He caused two flyouts and a groundout. The hardest ball hit against Sborz was a 90.3 mph flyout. The others had exit velocities of 76.6 and 76.9 mph.

deGrom made his first rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Thursday after four days of rest. He allowed one run on two hits and struck out three players while throwing 29 pitches, including 21 strikeouts, in that two-inning outing. He underwent surgery on his right elbow on June 12, 2023, and spent the entire season on the injured list.

The 36-year-old deGrom will likely make at least one more minor league rehab appearance before rejoining the Rangers’ rotation for the final month of the season.

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