Jacob deGrom of the Rangers throws 3.2 scoreless innings after returning from elbow surgery

SEATTLE — Julio Rodríguez hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning to help spoil Jacob deGrom’s return to the mound and send the Seattle Mariners to a 5-4 victory over the Texas Rangers on Friday night.

Back after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2023, DeGrom left after 3 2/3 innings with a 2-0 lead and the Rangers had a 4-0 advantage.

Rodríguez began Seattle’s rally with a double in the seventh that set up two runs. Then in the next inning, he hit his 15th homer of the season to deep left field with two outs off David Robertson (3-4).

JT Chargois (3-1) struck out three in the eighth for the victory, and Andrés Muñoz struck out one in the ninth en route to his 21st save.

DeGrom struck out four and gave up four hits in his first game since April 2023, showing some of the speed and power that has made him a two-time Cy Young Award winner. He reached 98 mph occasionally, but left before finishing the third with two runners on base when he reached his pitch count.

Texas built a 2-0 lead early, capitalizing on a costly Emerson Hancock mistake to start the game. Hancock hit leadoff batter Marcus Simien, who moved to third on Josh Smith’s single. Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Jung delivered two-out RBI singles for a 2-0 lead.

Langford made it 3-0 with a solo home run off Hancock, his 11th of the season. Lowe added an RBI single in the seventh to make it 4-0.

DeGrom was having a fairly easy outing until the fourth when Josh Raley doubled and moved to third on Justin Turner’s single. Manager Bruce Bochy pulled deGrom one out later on his 61st pitch.

Reliever Walter Penington ended the inning with a ground out. Seattle rallied in the seventh after reliever José Ureña hit Victor Robles to start the inning. He gave up a double to Rodríguez to put runners in scoring position and Cal Raleigh’s sacrifice fly and Randy Arozarena’s RBI single made it 4-2.

TRAINER’S ROOM

The Rangers officially moved SS Corey Seager to the 60-day injured list. He will undergo season-ending sports hernia surgery.

ROSTER MOVE

To make space for deGrom on the roster, the Rangers optioned RHP Owen White to Triple-A Round Rock.

UP NEXT

Rangers RHP Max Scherzer (2-4, 3.89 ERA) was set to make his first start since July after a stint on the injured list because of shoulder and nerve pain in his right arm. RHP Logan Gilbert (7-11, 3.15) was scheduled to start for Seattle.

Jacob deGrom, the star pitcher for the Texas Rangers, made a triumphant return to the mound after undergoing elbow surgery earlier this season. DeGrom, who is known for his dominant pitching and fierce competitiveness, showed no signs of rust as he threw 3.2 scoreless innings in his first game back.

The right-hander looked sharp and in control from the moment he stepped on the mound. His fastball was hitting its spots with precision, and his off-speed pitches had the opposing batters off balance all night. DeGrom’s command of the strike zone was impeccable, as he consistently painted the corners and kept hitters guessing.

Despite the pressure of returning from a major surgery, deGrom showed no signs of hesitation or fear. He attacked hitters with confidence and poise, showcasing the mental toughness that has made him one of the best pitchers in the league.

DeGrom’s performance was a welcome sight for Rangers fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his return to the rotation. With his dominant outing, deGrom proved that he is fully recovered and ready to lead the Rangers to victory down the stretch.

As deGrom continues to build up his pitch count and stamina, he will be a key factor in the Rangers’ push for a playoff spot. His presence on the mound gives the team a much-needed boost and instills confidence in his teammates.

Overall, Jacob deGrom’s return from elbow surgery was a resounding success. His performance was a testament to his talent, work ethic, and determination to overcome adversity. Rangers fans can rest easy knowing that their ace is back and ready to dominate once again.