The Texas Rangers currently sit first in the American League West Division, three and a half games ahead of the Houston Astros.
They now have the best point differential, as well as the third-best collective ERA in MLB.
However, these successes are not attributable to Jacob deGrom as one might have thought before the start of the current campaign, he who played only six games in 2023 and who has not started since April 28 due to inflammation in his right elbow.
And his absence will last at least until the end of the month, since the right-handed gunner has just been transferred to the 60-day injured list.
The transfer opens up a place in the roster for 40 players and Rangers took the opportunity to activate Spencer Howard from the injured list. The latter had missed the first 58 games of the season because of a sprained right knee.
It remains unclear whether this is a setback in deGrom’s rehabilitation or just an administrative process. Anyway, he will be eligible for a return to play from June 28.
It’s been Groundhog Day for deGrom since 2020, with his health still at stake and not allowing him to establish his superiority over all other major league baseball pitchers.
Admittedly, it’s not ideal in the middle of a race for the first place in their division, but the Rangers have proven that they can hold the fort in the absence of their ace pitcher.
Still, with him in the lineup, they become a much better roster, having won all six games deGrom started this season.
