JUST IN :*Rangers Prioritize Rest, Leave deGrom Out of Rotation for Tigers Series

Rangers Rest deGrom, Announce Rotation Without Star Pitcher for Tigers Series

As they prepare for their first post-All-Star break matchup against the Detroit Tigers, the Texas Rangers have revealed their starting rotation—and it notably does not include ace Jacob deGrom. Despite being named an All-Star this season, the veteran right-hander will sit out the upcoming series as the team prioritizes his long-term health and durability for the second half of the season.

The team made the announcement through its public relations social media account, confirming the rotation and explaining the decision to give deGrom some additional downtime. The 37-year-old, who underwent his second Tommy John surgery in 2023, has already surpassed his previous season-high in starts since 2019, posting a stellar 9-2 record with a 2.32 ERA, 113 strikeouts, and only 24 walks over 112.1 innings in 19 starts.

Although deGrom did not pitch in the All-Star Game earlier this week, his last appearance came last Saturday in Houston. By skipping this weekend’s series, the earliest he could return to the mound would be Monday against the Oakland Athletics, giving him over a full week of rest.

The move, while wise from a health standpoint, does deprive fans of what could have been an electrifying pitching showdown between deGrom and reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who started the All-Star Game for the American League. Instead, Skubal is now set to pitch Sunday against Nathan Eovaldi, another standout in the Rangers’ rotation who represented Texas in the 2023 All-Star Game.

Skubal enters the series in top form with a 10-3 record, a 2.23 ERA, and 153 strikeouts to just 16 walks over 121 innings. His 4.6 bWAR currently leads all American League pitchers. He’ll be pitching on regular rest after throwing a single inning in the All-Star Game.

Eovaldi, for his part, has also been highly effective this season. Despite missing a month with an arm injury, he’s 7-3 with an outstanding 1.58 ERA, 94 strikeouts, and only 14 walks across 91 innings in 16 starts. The Rangers even awarded him a $100,000 performance bonus, underscoring his value to the team—even though he wasn’t selected for this year’s All-Star roster.

As the second half of the season gets underway, the Rangers are clearly playing the long game with their pitching staff, aiming to keep their aces healthy and ready for what they hope will be a deep playoff run.