DeGrom returns strong in first start since 2023

SEATTLE -- Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom struck out four in 3⅔ scoreless innings Friday night in his return from Tommy John surgery.

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

The 36-year-old deGrom threw 61 pitches, 41 for strikes, in his first major league appearance since April 28, 2023. The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner gave up four hits and walked none.

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

He had surgery to replace the ligament in his elbow in June 2023. He also had the same procedure in 2010 while in the minor leagues.

DeGrom gave up Victor Robles' leadoff infield single in the first 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 deflected a Robles liner back to the mound with his glove, and then made the throw for the out.

DeGrom made four rehab starts for Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock, giving up one earned run over 10⅔ innings for a 0.84 ERA. He struck out 15 batters and walked one.