Jacob deGrom’s initial appearance of the season with the Texas Rangers will be closely monitored.
As reported by the Associated Press, the former Mets ace will be subject to a pitch limit during his Opening Day start against the Philadelphia Phillies, his old division rivals.
In his first American League game, deGrom, a two-time National League Cy Young Award winner, will be restricted to 65 pitches after nine seasons in New York.
“We’re confident in him, and he should be too. He’s shown some impressive performances,” said new Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, according to the AP. “There were some concerns when we had to ease him back, but it’s clear now that he’s prepared.”
DeGrom, now 34, joined the Rangers this offseason with a five-year, $185 million deal. He had spent his entire MLB career with the New York Mets, starting in 2014.