On Saturday, the Texas Rangers will play their second game of the 2026 MLB season when they face off against the Phillies in Philadelphia.
The Rangers are coming off a 5-3 loss to the Phillies on Thursday.
Rangers Announce Jacob DeGrom News
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – MARCH 30: Jacob deGrom #48 of the Texas Rangers gets a mound visit from pitching coach Mike Maddux #31 during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Globe Life Field on March 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Before Saturday’s game, the Rangers announced that star pitcher Jacob DeGrom had been ruled out.
Texas Rangers PR wrote: “RHP Jacob deGrom has been scratched from Saturday’s scheduled start in Philadelphia due to neck stiffness. LHP Jacob Latz will make today’s start for Texas.”
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Jacob deGrom #48 of the Texas Rangers is seen on the field as the team works out before Game Three of the American League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 17, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
DeGrom is coming off his third season playing for Texas.
He made the All-Star Game, going 12-8 with a 2.97 ERA in 30 games.
MLB World Reacts To Jacob DeGrom News
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – MARCH 30: Jacob deGrom #48 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in the opening Day game at Globe Life Field on March 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Here’s what people were saying about the news:
Evan Grant: “Jacob deGrom has been scratched with neck stiffness; Jacob Latz will start in his place. The Rangers do not believe this is serious and he could start later on the road trip”
Connor Thomas: “It is such a shame what Jacob DeGrom has gone through in his career. The Joel Embiid of baseball”
@PhillyBasement: “DeGrom looked good in his lone spring start but I guess at 37 and with that laundry list of IL stints better safe than sorry”
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 07: Jacob deGrom #48 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the first inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 7, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Jared Sandler: “deGrom says he thinks he’ll be able to slot in during the Baltimore series.”
Jeff Wilson: “Jacob deGrom said he first felt neck stiffness this morning, at 8:22 when he looked at his phone to see what time it was. He couldn’t get the stiffness worked out. Felt it when he threw plyo balls and is having discomfort looking right. He expects to pitch in Baltimore.”
@Jeff_Coop27: “Well the season was fun for about 10 minutes into the 1st game”
Rangers Right Now
GettySURPRISE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 17: (ALTERNATE CROP) Manager Skip Schumaker #55 of the Texas Rangers poses for a portrait during photo day at Surprise Stadium on February 17, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Following Saturday and Sunday’s games with the Phillies, the Rangers will visit the Baltimore Orioles on March 30.
They are coming off a year where they missed the MLB playoffs with an 81-81 record.
MLB World Reacts To Jacob DeGrom News Before Rangers-Phillies Game