Jacob deGrom (glute) to start Monday vs. White Sox

DeGrom didn’t come back out after a long second inning that saw him allow two runs. In all, he threw 55 pitches while getting six outs. His velocity was actually very good; he averaged 98.1 mph with his fastball in the first and 97.5 mph in the second, putting him slightly above his season average of 97.3 mph. We’ll probably find out soon whether the Rangers think an IL stint is in the cards.

Over his five innings, DeGrom struck out nine while generating 13 swings and misses. The only blemish was a solo homer by Jackson Holliday in the first inning, and outside of that the 38-year-old was outstanding. It was the first start since deGrom vetoed a trade to Atlanta, and it’s one that should make the Rangers happy he wanted to stay. He has a very friendly matchup on paper scheduled for Thursday against the Angels.

We knew that the Braves had inquired about deGrom, but it seems that conversations went way beyond that. As Rosenthal reports, “teams do not approach players about waiving no-trade clauses so close to the deadline unless something is done.” Given how close the Rangers were to moving deGrom this week, it’s possible those conversations could begin again in the offseason. For the Braves’ part, Rosenthal notes that “other than Skubal and deGrom, they did not view [other] pitchers as difference-makers, or even better than what they had.” We’ll see if that view comes back to haunt them this season.

The Braves reportedly had inquired about deGrom, who is making $38 million in the fourth year of a five-year, $185 million contract. He has full no-trade protection.

deGrom gave up seven hits, walked five and struck out three. He fell to 7-7 with the loss. deGrom has now allowed five runs in two of his last three starts. He has a 3.96 ERA, which would be the worst of his career in a single-season. deGrom is lined up to face the Orioles at home next weekend.

DeGrom gave up two singles to start the sixth inning, but Robby Ahlstrom was able to strand both runners after taking over, maintaining the Rangers’ 3-1 lead. That, however, disappeared during the Mariners’ four-run seventh inning. As a result, deGrom remained winless in three starts this month. He’ll take a 7-6 record and a 3.67 ERA into his next start against the Astros.

Making his first start in 17 days after dealing with a glute issue, deGrom was able to get through four innings allowing just one run, but he gave up four hits and a walk during a four-run fifth that saw him get pulled with two outs. The loss dropped him to 7-6 with a 3.76 ERA. He’ll probably be sharper next time out against the Mariners.

The Rangers will open with Cal Quantrill and MacKenzie Gore against the Braves on Friday and Saturday, leaving a TBA slot open for deGrom on Sunday. DeGrom missed his last start before the All-Star break with what was announced as a “mild left glute strain.” There’s no reason to think that he’s going to go on IL over this yet, and deGrom did tell reporters that he was going to throw off the mound in Atlanta. It’s possible he’s pushed back beyond Sunday.

The Rangers are considering the possibility of placing deGrom on the injured list, but with the timing of the All-Star break they aren’t sure if it’s necessary or not yet. Either way, it sounds like the 38-year-old right-hander should only wind up missing a start or two. No word yet on who will take his place on the slab for Sunday’s first half finale.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker told reporters afterwards that deGrom was battling a hip issue that limited him to just five innings out of an abundance of caution. The 38-year-old veteran expressed optimism that he’ll be ready to take the ball for Sunday’s first-half finale against the Astros. He gave up a pair of runs in the first inning on a walk and two hits. He then tossed four more scoreless frames, scattering three more hits and one walk while striking out seven batters. He’ll carry a solid 3.49 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and a 122/22 K/BB ratio across 100 2/3 innings into his final first-half outing this weekend.