Jacob deGrom will miss his scheduled start on Sunday, July 7, 2026, against the Houston Astros, and Rangers officials hint the right‑hander could soon land on the injured‑list.
What happened?
The Rangers announced early Friday that deGrom, who was slated to take the mound at 1:05 p.m. Central, will sit out the game. Team medical staff discovered lingering soreness in his pitching elbow during a routine check‑up. No specific injury was disclosed, but the club said the pain “requires further evaluation.”
Why it matters for Jacob deGrom
DeGrom’s absence is a blow to a rotation already thin after recent injuries to several starters. The former two‑time Cy Young winner has struggled to stay healthy since his 2022 Tommy John surgery, and every missed start fuels speculation about his long‑term durability. If the Rangers place him on the 15‑day IL, they will free a roster spot for a fresh arm, but they also risk losing a veteran who can still dominate when fully fit.
How will the Rangers adjust?
Manager Chris Woodward said the team will turn to left‑hander Nathan Eovaldi for the Sunday start. Eovaldi, who logged six innings of two‑run ball against the Astros last month, will now shoulder the responsibility that deGrom was expected to carry. The bullpen, anchored by closer Edwin Díaz, will also see increased usage as Woodward navigates a deeper rotation.
What comes next?
The next step for deGrom is a series of imaging tests scheduled for Monday. Rangers’ senior vice president of baseball operations, Chris Young, told reporters the club hopes to have a clear picture within 48 hours. If the scans reveal a minor strain, deGrom could return after a short rehab stint in Triple‑A. A more serious issue would likely trigger a 15‑day IL placement, pushing his comeback to mid‑July at the earliest.
The Astros, meanwhile, will still field their ace, Framber Valdez, on Sunday. The matchup, originally billed as a duel between two elite pitchers, now turns into a test of depth for both clubs. Fans will watch closely to see whether the Rangers can compensate for deGrom’s loss and keep the series competitive.
DeGrom’s health remains a top storyline for the Rangers as they chase a playoff berth. Every decision about his arm influences not only his personal legacy but also the team’s chances in a tight American League West race.