Rangers’ Jacob deGrom makes strong return in first start since 2023

SEATTLE — Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher Jacob deGrom struck out four batters in 3⅔ scoreless innings Friday night after returning from Tommy John surgery.

DeGrom gave up two hits in the fourth against the Seattle Mariners and was pulled after retiring Jorge Polanco on a fly ball to center. Walter Pennington then came in and got J.P. Crawford to bounce to second, stranding runners at the corners.

The 36-year-old deGrom threw 61 pitches, 41 of which were strikes, in his first Major League appearance since April 28, 2023. The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner allowed four hits and walked none.

DeGrom agreed to a five-year, $185 million contract with Texas in December 2022 after beginning his major league career with the New York Mets. He made six starts for the Rangers last year before suffering an injury.

In June 2023, he underwent surgery to replace the ligament in his elbow. He underwent the same procedure in 2010 while playing in the minor leagues.

DeGrom gave up Victor Robles’ leadoff infield single in the first inning, but got out of the inning with the help of two strikeouts. After hitting Luke Raley to lead off the second, he induced three easy popouts to the edge of the infield. In the third, he hit a Robles liner back to the mound with his glove, then threw the out.

DeGrom made four rehab starts for Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock, surrendering one earned run in 10⅔ innings for an 0.84 ERA. He struck out 15 batters and gave up one hit.