Texas Rangers' Strategy to Preserve Jacob deGrom's Health: A Delicate Balance

The Texas Rangers have made it clear that keeping their star pitcher, Jacob deGrom, healthy and performing at his best is a top priority. After signing a lucrative five-year, $185 million contract with the team, deGrom is expected to be a key player in the Rangers' rotation. However, the team is aware of the risks associated with deGrom's injury history and is exploring ways to keep him "fresh" throughout the season. One possible strategy being considered is using the injured list (IL) to manage his workload and prevent fatigue.

The Rangers' plan to preserve deGrom's health is a wise move, given his history of injuries. The right-hander has struggled with elbow and forearm issues in the past, which have limited his playing time. In 2021, deGrom was shut down for the season due to a forearm strain, and in 2022, he missed several starts with a shoulder injury. By taking a proactive approach to managing his workload, the Rangers hope to minimize the risk of injury and ensure that deGrom is available to pitch at his best when it matters most.

The Importance of Managing Workload

Managing a pitcher's workload is crucial in preventing injuries and maintaining performance. Pitchers who throw too many innings or pitches are at a higher risk of suffering from fatigue, which can lead to decreased velocity, control, and overall effectiveness. By monitoring deGrom's workload and using the IL to give him regular breaks, the Rangers can help reduce the risk of injury and keep him fresh throughout the season.

Using the IL to manage deGrom's workload is not a new concept. Many teams have successfully used this strategy to keep their star pitchers healthy and performing at their best. For example, the Los Angeles Dodgers have used the IL to manage the workload of their ace pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, with great success. By giving Kershaw regular breaks and limiting his innings, the Dodgers have been able to keep him healthy and performing at an elite level well into his 30s.

Benefits of Preserving deGrom's Health

Preserving deGrom's health is essential for the Rangers' success. As one of the team's top pitchers, deGrom is expected to play a key role in the team's rotation. By keeping him healthy and performing at his best, the Rangers can improve their chances of winning and making a deep playoff run. Additionally, a healthy deGrom can also have a positive impact on the team's other pitchers, who can learn from his experience and feed off his energy.

In conclusion, the Texas Rangers' plan to keep Jacob deGrom "fresh" by using the IL to manage his workload is a wise move. By taking a proactive approach to managing his workload, the team can minimize the risk of injury and ensure that deGrom is available to pitch at his best when it matters most. With deGrom leading the rotation, the Rangers have a good chance of making a deep playoff run and competing for a championship.

Key Takeaways:

The Texas Rangers are exploring ways to keep Jacob deGrom healthy and performing at his best. Using the injured list (IL) to manage deGrom's workload is a possible strategy being considered. Managing a pitcher's workload is crucial in preventing injuries and maintaining performance. Preserving deGrom's health is essential for the Rangers' success and can have a positive impact on the team's other pitchers. By prioritizing deGrom's health and taking a proactive approach to managing his workload, the Rangers can set themselves up for success and make a deep playoff run. With deGrom leading the rotation, the team has a good chance of competing for a championship and bringing a title to the city of Texas.