Jacob deGrom struck out two batters in two flawless innings during his second rehab start since undergoing Tommy John surgery on Tuesday night.
The Texas Rangers right-hander threw an additional inning in the bullpen, totaling about 16 pitches to bring his pitch count for the night to 40. Against Oklahoma City, he delivered 24 pitches, with 16 strikes. His fastball reached 99.5 mph, his changeup hit 98.5 mph, and his slider topped out at 92.5 mph.
Three batters recorded exit velocities of 90 mph or more against deGrom, including a 93.4 mph lineout to center in the first inning, and a 95.4 mph flyout and a 100.6 mph lineout to center in the second.
Rangers reliever Josh Sborz also made his second rehab appearance on Tuesday, pitching the third inning. He retired the side on 15 pitches, with eight strikes, inducing two flyouts and a groundout. The hardest-hit ball against Sborz was a 90.3 mph flyout, while the others were hit at 76.6 and 76.9 mph.
deGrom pitched on four days’ rest following his initial rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Thursday, where he allowed a run on two hits and struck out three in two innings, throwing 29 pitches with 21 strikes. He underwent right elbow surgery on June 12, 2023, and has been on the injured list all season.
At 36, deGrom is expected to make at least one more rehab start in the minors before rejoining the Rangers’ rotation for the final month of the season.
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