Trending Now - Jacob Degrom's 2026 Debut Postponed Due to Neck Stiffness
WHO:
MLB.com - Jacob deGrom said he woke up at 8:22 a.m. ET with a stiff neck and expressed frustration about the timing of the injury, stating, “It was fine before today, that's what was so annoying.”
MLB.com - Andrew McCutchen, who signed a Minor League deal with the Rangers on March 6th, 2026, received a warmer welcome than most Rangers players during the Opening Day lineup introduction.
MLB.com - Jacob deGrom said he woke up at 8:22 a.m. ET with a stiff neck and expressed frustration about the timing of the injury, stating, “It was fine before today, that's what was so annoying.”
MLB.com - Andrew McCutchen, who signed a Minor League deal with the Rangers on March 6th, 2026, received a warmer welcome than most Rangers players during the Opening Day lineup introduction.
MLB.com - Jacob deGrom said he woke up at 8:22 a.m. ET with a stiff neck and expressed frustration about the timing of the injury, stating, “It was fine before today, that's what was so annoying.”
MLB.com - Andrew McCutchen, who signed a Minor League deal with the Rangers on March 6th, 2026, received a warmer welcome than most Rangers players during the Opening Day lineup introduction.
MLB.com - Jacob deGrom said he woke up at 8:22 a.m. ET with a stiff neck and expressed frustration about the timing of the injury, stating, “It was fine before today, that's what was so annoying.”
MLB.com - Andrew McCutchen, who signed a Minor League deal with the Rangers on March 6th, 2026, received a warmer welcome than most Rangers players during the Opening Day lineup introduction.
MLB.com - Jacob deGrom said he woke up at 8:22 a.m. ET with a stiff neck.
MLB.com - Andrew McCutchen expressed that he thought there was a "90% chance" he would not be playing in 2026.
Jacob deGrom, two-time Cy Young Award winner
Jacob Latz, left-hander for the Texas Rangers
Nathan Eovaldi, co-ace of the Texas Rangers
Andrew McCutchen, player for the Texas Rangers
Skip Schumaker, manager of the Texas Rangers
Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers ace
Jacob Latz, swingman for the Texas Rangers
Nathan Eovaldi, co-ace of the Texas Rangers
Andrew McCutchen, player for the Texas Rangers
Skip Schumaker, manager of the Texas Rangers
Kennedi Landry, reporter for MLB.com
WHAT:
MLB.com - The Rangers won their game against the Phillies 5-4 in extra innings, marking the first win of the Skip Schumaker era.
MLB.com - Jacob Latz, who had a 2.72 ERA in eight spot starts last season, started in place of deGrom against the Philadelphia Phillies.
MLB.com - DeGrom was expected to start the home opener on April 3rd, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com - Jacob Latz was informed he would be starting just hours before the game against the Phillies.
MLB.com - DeGrom feels confident he’ll be able to start on the road trip that includes games in Baltimore.
MLB.com - The Rangers won their game against the Phillies 5-4 in extra innings, marking the first win of the Skip Schumaker era.
MLB.com - Jacob Latz, who had a 2.72 ERA in eight spot starts last season, started in place of deGrom against the Philadelphia Phillies.
MLB.com - DeGrom was expected to start the home opener on April 3rd, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com - Jacob Latz was informed he would be starting just hours before the game against the Phillies.
MLB.com - DeGrom feels confident he’ll be able to start on the road trip that includes games in Baltimore.
MLB.com - Jacob Latz was informed he would be starting just hours before the game against the Phillies.
ESPN - Jacob deGrom was scratched from his scheduled start on March 28th, 2026, due to neck stiffness.
MLB.com - Jacob Latz will start in place of deGrom against the Philadelphia Phillies.
MLB.com - DeGrom was expected to start the second game of the season, with Nathan Eovaldi getting the Opening Day nod.
MLB.com - DeGrom was an All-Star in 2025, posting a 2.97 ERA in 172 2/3 innings.
MLB.com - DeGrom made 30 starts in 2025, eclipsing 100 innings for the first time since 2019.
MLB.com - Latz failed to win a spot in the rotation out of spring training and has mostly pitched out of the bullpen in parts of four seasons with the Rangers.
MLB.com - DeGrom signed a $185 million, five-year deal with the Texas Rangers that includes a conditional sixth-year club option worth at least $20 million and up to $37 million for 2028, which has been triggered due to time missed injured.
MLB.com - The Rangers won their game against the Phillies 5-4 in extra innings, marking the first win of the Skip Schumaker era.
MLB.com - Jacob Latz, who had a 2.72 ERA in eight spot starts last season, started in place of deGrom against the Philadelphia Phillies.
MLB.com - DeGrom was expected to start the home opener on April 3rd, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com - Jacob Latz, who started in place of deGrom, was informed he would be starting just hours before the game against the Phillies.
MLB.com - The Rangers won their game against the Phillies 5-4 in extra innings, marking the first win of the Skip Schumaker era.
MLB.com - DeGrom feels confident he’ll be able to start on the road trip that includes games in Baltimore.
MLB.com - Jacob Latz was informed he would be starting just hours before the game against the Phillies.
ESPN - Jacob deGrom was scratched from his scheduled start on March 28th, 2026, due to neck stiffness.
MLB.com - Jacob Latz will start in place of deGrom against the Philadelphia Phillies.
MLB.com - DeGrom was expected to start the second game of the season, with Nathan Eovaldi getting the Opening Day nod.
MLB.com - DeGrom was an All-Star in 2025, posting a 2.97 ERA in 172 2/3 innings.
MLB.com - DeGrom made 30 starts in 2025, eclipsing 100 innings for the first time since 2019.
Jacob deGrom was scratched from his scheduled start on March 28th, 2026, due to neck stiffness.
Jacob Latz will start in place of deGrom against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Latz failed to win a spot in the rotation out of spring training and has mostly pitched out of the bullpen in parts of four seasons with the Rangers.
DeGrom signed a $185 million, five-year deal with the Texas Rangers that includes a conditional sixth-year club option worth at least $20 million and up to $37 million for 2028, which has been triggered due to time missed injured.
Jacob deGrom was scratched from his scheduled start on March 28th, 2026, due to neck stiffness.
Jacob Latz will start in place of deGrom against the Philadelphia Phillies.
DeGrom was expected to start the second game of the season.
DeGrom had a 2.97 ERA in 2025, making 30 starts and pitching 172 2/3 innings.
Andrew McCutchen signed a Minor League deal with the Rangers on March 6th, 2026.
McCutchen expressed a 90% chance he would not be playing in 2026 prior to being informed he made the Opening Day roster.
WHERE:
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Arlington, Texas
WHEN:
MLB.com - The Rangers' home opener is scheduled for April 3rd, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com - DeGrom was slated to start the home opener on April 3rd, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com - The Rangers' home opener is scheduled for April 3rd, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com - DeGrom was slated to start the home opener on April 3rd, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com - DeGrom's last full season before injury was 2019, and he had Tommy John surgery after only six starts in his Rangers debut in 2023.
March 28th, 2026, is the date of deGrom's scheduled start.
McCutchen's Minor League deal was signed on March 6th, 2026.
DeGrom's last full season before injury was 2019.
MLB.com - The Rangers' home opener is scheduled for April 3rd, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com - The Rangers' home opener is scheduled for April 3rd, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com - DeGrom was slated to start the home opener on April 3rd, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com - DeGrom was slated to start the home opener on April 3rd, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
DeGrom's last full season before injury was 2019, and he had Tommy John surgery after only six starts in his Rangers debut in 2023.
March 28th, 2026, is the date of deGrom's scheduled start.
McCutchen's Minor League deal was signed on March 6th, 2026.
DeGrom's last full season before injury was 2019.
WHY:
MLB.com - DeGrom and the training staff decided not to push the start to avoid a situation that could lead to multiple weeks of absence.
ESPN - The Rangers did not provide an immediate update on when deGrom would make his next start.
MLB.com - DeGrom and the training staff decided not to push the start to avoid a situation that could lead to multiple weeks of absence.
ESPN - The Rangers did not provide an immediate update on when deGrom would make his next start.
The scratch is a precautionary measure for deGrom, who could potentially still make a start on the season-opening road trip between Philadelphia and Baltimore.
MLB.com - DeGrom and the training staff decided not to push the start to avoid a situation that could lead to multiple weeks of absence.
MLB.com - DeGrom and the training staff decided not to push the start to avoid a situation that could lead to multiple weeks of absence.
MLB.com - DeGrom and the training staff decided not to push it to avoid a situation that could lead to multiple weeks of absence.
ESPN - The Rangers did not provide an immediate update on when deGrom would make his next start.
The scratch is a precautionary measure for deGrom, who could potentially still make a start on the season-opening road trip between Philadelphia and Baltimore.
DeGrom was scratched due to neck stiffness as a precautionary measure.
HOW:
MLB.com - DeGrom underwent heat and laser treatment and stretched his neck in an attempt to alleviate the stiffness.
MLB.com - DeGrom underwent heat and laser treatment and stretched his neck in an attempt to alleviate the stiffness.
MLB.com - DeGrom underwent heat and laser treatment and stretched his neck in an attempt to alleviate the stiffness.
MLB.com - DeGrom underwent heat and laser treatment and stretched his neck in an attempt to alleviate the stiffness.
MLB.com - DeGrom underwent heat and laser treatment and stretched his neck in an attempt to alleviate the stiffness.
Jacob Latz, who had a 2.72 ERA in eight spot starts last season, will take over the starting role.
Jacob Latz, who had a 2.72 ERA in eight spot starts last season, will take over the starting role.
(UPDATED March 29, 2026 13:16 UTC)
The Texas Rangers secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in extra innings, marking the first win of the Skip Schumaker era. Jacob deGrom expressed frustration after waking up with a stiff neck, which led to Jacob Latz stepping in as the starting pitcher just hours before the game, while deGrom is hopeful he can still pitch during the upcoming road trip. The Rangers' home opener is set for April 3rd against the Cincinnati Reds, where deGrom was originally slated to start before the injury prompted caution from him and the training staff.
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(UPDATED March 29, 2026 09:07 UTC)
The Texas Rangers kicked off their season with a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in extra innings, marking the first win of the Skip Schumaker era. However, the game was overshadowed by Jacob deGrom being scratched from his scheduled start due to neck stiffness, which he expressed frustration about, saying it was fine before game day. In his place, Jacob Latz stepped up to the mound, having been informed of his start just hours before the game, while Andrew McCutchen received a warm welcome during the Opening Day lineup introduction after signing a Minor League deal with the Rangers earlier this month.
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(UPDATED March 29, 2026 07:15 UTC)
The Texas Rangers kicked off the season with a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in extra innings, marking the first win of the Skip Schumaker era. Jacob deGrom, who was expected to start the game, woke up with a stiff neck and opted out of pitching to avoid a longer absence, while Jacob Latz stepped in as his replacement. DeGrom is set to make his return in the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds April 3rd, after undergoing treatment to alleviate his discomfort.
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(UPDATED March 29, 2026 05:29 UTC)
Jacob deGrom woke up on Tuesday with a stiff neck and expressed his frustration about the timing of the injury, saying it was fine before that day. In his absence, Jacob Latz started for the Rangers, who secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Phillies in extra innings, marking the first win of the Skip Schumaker era. The Rangers are set to host their home opener against the Cincinnati Reds April 3rd, as deGrom continues to receive treatment for his neck.
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(UPDATED March 29, 2026 03:52 UTC)
Jacob deGrom reported waking up with a stiff neck but feels confident he’ll be able to start on the upcoming road trip, which includes games in Baltimore, after undergoing heat and laser treatment. Meanwhile, Andrew McCutchen mentioned he believes there’s a "90% chance" he won't be playing in 2026, while Jacob Latz was informed just hours before the game against the Phillies that he would be starting. DeGrom was originally slated to start the home opener April 3rd against the Cincinnati Reds, but he and the training staff decided to hold off to prevent a longer absence.
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(UPDATED March 28, 2026 23:02 UTC)
Jacob deGrom has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday, due to neck stiffness, and Jacob Latz will take the mound in his place against the Philadelphia Phillies. DeGrom, who was an All-Star in 2025 with a 2.97 ERA over 172 and two-thirds innings, was expected to start the second game of the season after Nathan Eovaldi took the Opening Day nod. The Rangers have not provided an immediate update on when deGrom will make his next start, which was originally set for the home opener April 3rd against the Cincinnati Reds.
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(UPDATED March 28, 2026 21:01 UTC)
Jacob deGrom has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday, due to neck stiffness, and Jacob Latz will step in to pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies. Latz, who has primarily worked out of the bullpen over the past four seasons, had a solid 2.72 ERA in eight spot starts last season. This precautionary measure for deGrom comes as he aims to be ready for the season-opening road trip between Philadelphia and Baltimore.
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(UPDATED March 28, 2026 19:09 UTC)
Jacob deGrom has been scratched from his scheduled start against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 28, 2026, due to neck stiffness, with Jacob Latz stepping in to take his place. DeGrom, who had a solid 2.97 ERA in 2025, was expected to start the second game of the season, but this precautionary measure means Latz will now take the mound. Meanwhile, Andrew McCutchen, who recently signed a Minor League deal with the Rangers, expressed surprise at making the Opening Day roster after believing there was a 90% chance he wouldn't play this season.