Jacob deGrom (35) signed a contract with the Texas Rangers for 5 years and 185 million dollars (approximately 238.8 billion won). His debut match had a shocking ending.

DeGrom started the opening game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2023 major league held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on the 31st (hereinafter Korean time), giving up 5 runs with 6 hits and 7 strikeouts in 3⅔ innings. He barely escaped defeat due to the explosion of the batting line.

After the 2022 season, deGrom declared an opt-out from the New York Mets and became a free agent. He made a fresh start when he moved to Texas in the 2022-2023 free agent market. He had recent health issues such as elbow, shoulder, and side, but in 2 exhibition games, 6⅔ innings, 4 hits, 10 strikeouts, 2 walks, no runs. It was okay with 1 win and zero ERA.

However, the opening match collapsed.메이저사이트 He was in good form, throwing 100+ mph fastballs twice in the first inning. However, he faltered from the second inning. He hit Alec Bom with a 99-mph high fastball and was hit by a two-run four, and in the third inning, Brandon Marsh and Trey Turner hit long hits one after another and conceded a run. It was fortunate for deGrom that the batting line attacked Philadelphia ace Aaron Nola in the 4th inning and scored 9 runs.

MLB.com said, “DeGrom had 6 hits, the most in 210 career games. It was a stark difference from his previous three Opening Day starts, striking out 25 and pitching 17 scoreless innings. He wasn’t off to a terrible start, but he came off the mound after 3⅔ innings.”

Director Bruce Bochy showed his unwavering faith. “DeGrom wasn’t that sharp. Philadelphia hitters also hit well, but deGrom was also unlucky on some pitches. You won’t see this often.”

When healthy, deGrom is considered one of the best pitchers in the major leagues. However, he had an injury hiatus for the past 1-2 years, and during this exhibition game, his side strain caused a setback in pitching build-up. He was also uneasy about the opening match with a new team. The journey between deGrom and Texas began uneasy.