Rangers get bad news on Jacob DeGrom hours before of 2026 season debut

The Texas Rangers began their 2026 MLB season against the Philadelphia Phillies, losing 5-3 on Opening Day thanks to the Phillies' ace outdueling Nathan Eovaldi.

But, on Saturday, March 28th, the Rangers had Jacob DeGrom scheduled to pitch against Aaron Nola, with the advantage on the Rangers' side as they look to their other ace for Game 2 of the season.

However, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the Rangers got some bad news on DeGrom, as the righty ace was scratched from his 2026 debut just hours before he was set to take the mound for the Rangers.

Jacob DeGrom scratched from Saturday start vs. Phillies

"Jacob DeGrom has been scratched with neck stiffness," Grant reports, "Jacob Latz will start in his place. The Rangers do not believe this is serious, and he could start later on the road trip."

This report is a very worrying one. Even though Grant is reporting that DeGrom could start later on the road trip to begin the season, it doesn't change that this news is a troubling one for the righty.

More: Jacob DeGrom is only 149 strikeouts from 2,000 for his career

DeGrom has dealt with injuries in his career, especially lately. He pitched in just six games in 2023, then only three in 2024. But last year, he dissuaded those concerns with a great season.

Across 30 starts, the most he had in a season since 2019, DeGrom posted a 2.97 ERA with a 12-8 record, having a bounce-back season that gave Rangers fans confidence in their righty ace going forward.

However, this setback, even if it's not a major one, is a concerning report for the Rangers. DeGrom will sit out the second game of the season for the Rangers, as he looks to put this stiff neck behind him in time for a start later on for this road trip.

More MLB news:

• Reds’ Hunter Greene to be out until July amid brutal injury news
• Joey Wentz is out for the season with a torn ACL for the Braves
• Braves predicted to trade Bryce Elder for Lars Nootbaar
• Jesus Luzardo’s $135 million extension is a steal for Phillies
• This 19-year MLB record is finally over for the Giants
• Luis Gil sent down to minor leagues in strange Yankees roster move
• Three ways Pirates' Paul Skenes could lose NL Cy Young Award