DeGrom’s Strong Return Highlights Rangers’ Victory Over Angels
In a night filled with excitement at Globe Life Field, Jacob deGrom showcased his resilience and talent as he pitched four innings of one-run ball, leading the Texas Rangers to a 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. This game marked a significant moment for deGrom, who is gradually finding his rhythm after a long recovery from Tommy John surgery.
DeGrom’s Comeback Journey
DeGrom, a two-time NL Cy Young Award winner, made his third start since returning from surgery just two weeks ago. He allowed four hits and struck out five batters, demonstrating flashes of the dominance that once made him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball. Despite not having pitched in the majors since April 2023, deGrom expressed optimism about his performance, stating, “I feel like that was the best one.” His fastball reached an impressive 98 mph, a promising sign for fans eager to see him back at full strength.
However, the journey back has not been without its challenges. DeGrom admitted that he still experiences moments of hesitation in his windup, indicating that he is not yet fully comfortable. “There’s times in my windup or out of the stretch that I still feel that I have to think about a lot of things,” he explained. He is looking forward to the offseason, where he hopes to refine his mechanics and regain his instinctive pitching style.
Power Surge in the First Inning
The Rangers wasted no time in establishing their dominance, as Wyatt Langford and Adolis García hit back-to-back homers in the first inning. Langford’s seventh homer of September and García’s 25th of the season electrified the crowd and set the tone for the game. Marcus Semien, who had a stellar night with three hits, added to the excitement by hitting his 23rd homer in the ninth inning, further solidifying the Rangers’ lead.
A Struggling Angels Team
On the other side, the Angels continued to struggle, suffering their team-record 97th loss of the season. This marks a dismal chapter in the franchise’s history, as they now hold the longest postseason drought in the majors at ten years. Niko Kavadas managed to contribute with an RBI double, but the team’s overall performance has been lackluster, with four straight losses and 13 out of their last 16 games ending in defeat.
Reid Detmers, despite matching his career high with 12 strikeouts over five innings, allowed four runs on eight hits, including three homers. The Angels’ pitching woes have been a significant factor in their disappointing season, and the fans in Orange County expressed their frustration with boos as the Rangers continued to pile on the runs.
Key Contributions from the Rangers
Carson Kelly had a standout performance for the Rangers, contributing a homer, a double, and a single. His fourth-inning homer marked his first since August 11, showcasing his ability to make an impact since joining Texas in a trade with Detroit. The Rangers, despite wrapping up their seventh losing season in eight years, are looking to build on their recent success after winning the World Series last fall.
Managerial Insights
Texas manager Bruce Bochy expressed confidence in deGrom’s future, stating, “It’s nice to know that we’re going to have a healthy deGrom next year.” Bochy’s comments reflect the optimism surrounding the team as they look to build on their recent successes and prepare for the next season with a healthy ace on the mound.
Injury Updates
In terms of player health, the Rangers welcomed back left fielder Ezequiel Duran from the paternity list. However, they also made the decision to option RHP Kumar Rocker and RHP Jack Leiter to the minors, effectively ending their seasons after a combined eight innings pitched on Thursday. For the Angels, shortstop Zach Neto and first baseman Nolan Schanuel were sidelined due to injuries sustained earlier in the week, further complicating their already challenging season.
Looking Ahead
As the season winds down, the Rangers are set to face longtime Angels left-hander Andrew Heaney in their next matchup, while Griffin Canning will take the mound for Los Angeles. Both teams are looking to finish the season strong, but the Rangers appear to have the momentum, especially with deGrom’s promising return to form.