Degrom begins throwing as Rangers’ camp begins
SURPRISE, Ariz. — As the Texas Rangers began their first pitchers workout of the spring on Wednesday, righthander Jacob degrom has returned to throwing eight months after elbow surgery.
Degrom played catch on Monday for the first time and general manager Chris Young said he felt very optimistic about the two-time Cy Young Award winner's progress. Young said the Rangers are hopeful degrom could return by August, which was the original goal when degrom underwent surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament last June. Young also acknowledged timelines are fluid.
“It was a big step for him,” Young said. “We've got a lot more hurdles to cross, but we feel very good about where he is at.”
Degrom, who signed a five-year, $185 million deal last year, was limited to 30 innings before surgery in June.
On the rehabbing starter front, righthander Tyler Mahle, the Rangers' biggest free agent signee of the winter, has also begun throwing. He started about five or six weeks ago and is still in a throwing progression, so he's not yet on a mound, but is considered ahead of degrom. Young said July could be a potential return for Mahle.
Righthander Max Scherzer, who underwent back surgery during the offseason, is not yet in a throwing progression, but may have the shortest recovery time. Young said it is feasible Scherzer could return in June.
Manfred plans to retire in 2029
Commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday he will retire when his current term ends in January 2029.
Speaking at a spring training news conference, Manfred noted he will be 70 years old and been commissioner for 14 years when his term ends on Jan. 25, 2029.
“You can only have so much fun,” Manfred said.
Owners voted in November 2018 to offer Manfred, 65, a new deal through the 2024 season, then voted last July to approve his latest term.
Big Red Machine ace Gullett dies
Don Gullett, a standout major league pitcher who played for four consecutive World Series champions in the 1970s, died on Wednesday. He was 73.
Gullett went 109-50 with a 3.11 ERA in nine seasons with the Reds and Yankees. The lefthander had 44 complete games, 14 shutouts and 11 saves in 266 career games.
Gullett, a native of Lynn, Ky., helped Cincinnati win the World Series in 1975 and '76, going 26-7 for the Big Red Machine with a 2.68 ERA and 12 complete games in 45 appearances combined over those two seasons.
He then signed with New York in free agency, and the Yankees won it all in '77 and '78. He went 18-6 with a 3.59 ERA in 30 starts during his two years with New York.
Orioles’ Bradish has UCL sprain
Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish has a sprained UCL in his right elbow and is expected to miss opening day.
General manager Mike Elias revealed Bradish's injury Thursday on the club's official report date for pitchers and catchers.
Bradish was on hand and participated in nonthrowing drills. The righthander received Cy Young Award votes after a breakout 2023 season, in which he finished 12-7 with a 2.83 ERA over 30 starts. He was expected to slot behind newly acquired ace Corbin Burnes in the rotation.
Guardians plan celestial opener
The Guardians will throw the first pitch at their 2024 home opener after the earth, moon and sun align.
Cleveland's first game at Progressive Field against the Chicago White Sox will begin on April 8 at 5:10 p.m. local time — two hours following a total solar eclipse, an event that hasn't happened in Northeast Ohio since 1806 and won't again until 2444.
The team said that the ballparks gates will open at 2 p.m., giving fans a chance to observe the eclipse, which will begin at 1:59 p.m.
Odds and ends
The Chicago White Sox agreed to a minor league contract with veteran infielder Mike Moustakas . ... Free agent righthander Austin Warren has signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants.