Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy provided clarity after Jacob deGrom was pulled early from Sunday’s game against the Oakland Athletics. The veteran right-hander had thrown just 79 pitches over five dominant innings before being removed, sparking concern from fans and media alike.
Bochy, however, was quick to reassure everyone that deGrom is healthy and his exit was precautionary. “He probably could’ve gone further, but that was far enough,” Bochy said postgame, emphasizing that the decision was about workload management, not injury.
The Rangers, who have been plagued by injuries in August—including the losses of Marcus Semien, Nathan Eovaldi, and Corey Seager—have surprisingly remained competitive. They capped off a three-game sweep of Oakland with a 9–6 victory, extending their winning streak to five games and improving to 8–2 over their last 10. DeGrom’s performance on the mound has been a key driver in that surge, providing the stability and dominance the rotation needed during a tough stretch.
At 37, deGrom is showcasing some of his best work in years. He currently holds a 2.69 ERA, an 11–6 record, a 0.92 WHIP, and 161 strikeouts across 150.1 innings. Those numbers mirror his Cy Young-caliber seasons and serve as a reminder of just how impactful he can be when healthy. For a team in the thick of a playoff race, having their ace pitching at this level couldn’t come at a better time.
Sunday’s early exit came amid another strong showing, where deGrom controlled the strike zone and limited damage. With the Rangers leading comfortably and a bullpen ready to close things out, Bochy made the calculated decision to protect his star pitcher with an eye toward the stretch run. It was a textbook example of balancing competitiveness with long-term strategy.
With postseason hopes very much alive, keeping deGrom healthy is a top priority. His ability to take the mound every fifth day gives Texas a true No. 1 starter to lean on, especially in a potential playoff series. Bochy’s comments sent a clear message: there’s no reason to panic, and deGrom is exactly where he needs to be both physically and mentally.
DeGrom’s career résumé speaks for itself—Rookie of the Year, two-time Cy Young winner, ERA champion, and five-time All-Star. After an injury-riddled finish to his Mets tenure, he’s found renewed form with the Rangers, leading the charge as the team navigates injuries and stays in the playoff hunt. His leadership and poise have become just as important as his elite-level pitching.
The Rangers now find themselves climbing the AL Wild Card standings, recently overtaking the Kansas City Royals and closing the gap to just 2.5 games behind the Seattle Mariners. With deGrom dealing and Bochy managing carefully down the stretch, Texas has the tools to make a serious push in September—and potentially beyond.
