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Can Jacob deGrom Return to Cy Young Form? Rangers Ace Faces Red-Hot Tigers in Weekend Showdown
After two injury-plagued seasons, Jacob deGrom is finally starting to resemble the ace the Texas Rangers hoped for when they signed him to a $185 million deal ahead of the 2023 season. As the Rangers gear up for a weekend showdown against the surging Detroit Tigers (26–13), deGrom’s resurgence couldn’t be more timely.
The Tigers enter the series riding a five-game winning streak, while the Rangers (18–21) are mired in a 2–7 slump. Despite their struggles, the Rangers are slight betting favorites, thanks largely to the presence of deGrom on the mound Saturday in what promises to be a must-watch pitching duel against Jack Flaherty.
DeGrom’s Comeback Taking Shape
Saturday’s start marks deGrom’s eighth of the season, a notable milestone considering he made just nine combined starts over the previous two years. In his most recent outing, he held the Seattle Mariners to one run and three hits over five innings, earning high praise from manager Bruce Bochy for his sharp command and poise.
Though his strikeout numbers aren't at peak levels, deGrom’s 2.61 ERA and four straight outings of two earned runs or fewer indicate he’s trending in the right direction. While not yet matching his 2019 Cy Young dominance—when he made 32 starts—his consistent presence on the mound has been a stabilizing force for a struggling Rangers club.
Pitching Duel: DeGrom vs. Flaherty
Saturday’s matchup at Comerica Park pits two elite arms in a classic contrast of styles. DeGrom, known for his overpowering fastball-slider combo, faces a Tigers lineup that ranks among the league’s most dangerous. Flaherty, on the other hand, leans on deception and ground-ball outs, aiming to contain a Rangers offense that has underwhelmed.
While Friday’s opener featured a dominant Tarik Skubal, Saturday’s game could be even tighter, with both teams relying on their aces to set the tone.
Offense: Tigers Soaring, Rangers Sputtering
The Tigers have emerged as an offensive force, batting .262 as a team and belting 48 home runs—a major factor in their climb up the AL Central standings. The Rangers, by contrast, are hitting just .232/.290/.360, placing immense pressure on their pitching staff, especially deGrom, to carry the load.
Injuries have hampered the Rangers’ depth, further compounding their offensive issues. Meanwhile, the Tigers have managed their own injury challenges more effectively, thanks to a deeper and more flexible roster.
Odds and Intrigue
Despite their records, BetMGM Sportsbook lists the Rangers as slight favorites, reflecting confidence in deGrom and the Rangers’ eighth-ranked team ERA (3.49). The Tigers, however, lead MLB in strikeouts per nine innings, making this matchup an unpredictable one for bettors and fans alike.
Disclaimer: Gambling involves risk. Please gamble responsibly. For assistance, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER.
A Family Affair: Jung Brothers Face Off
Adding an emotional twist to the series, brothers Josh Jung (Rangers) and Jace Jung (Tigers) could both take the field, marking a rare MLB sibling showdown. Their matchup adds a personal storyline to an already compelling series.
Broadcast Info:
Coverage is expected on Bally Sports Southwest, Bally Sports Detroit, and MLB.TV. Check local listings for exact availability.
Final Word
This weekend’s series offers far more than an early-season interleague clash. It's a test of deGrom’s comeback, a measure of the Tigers' momentum, and a potential turning point for a Rangers team in need of direction. Whether the Rangers can ride deGrom to a statement win or the Tigers continue their tear remains to be seen—but one thing's certain: this is appointment baseball.
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