2 internal Jacob deGrom replacements Rangers can turn to if disaster strikes

Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom exited his Thursday night start against the Los Angeles Angels at Angels Stadium after throwing just two innings due to triceps tightness. He will play catch before Sunday's matchup with the Athletics at Sutter Health Park and be monitored in the following days, according to The Dallas Morning News' Shawn McFarland.

Hopefully, deGrom avoids an IL stint. But if he ends up missing time, the Rangers will need to find a solution fast. The fact that Nathan Eovaldi landed on the IL recently makes a potential IL stint for deGrom an even worse situation for Texas.

On the bright side, right-hander Jack Leiter just began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock. He has been on the IL since June 21 with a right ankle injury that required surgery.

Still, if the Rangers need to place deGrom on the IL, they'll need a short-term solution until Leiter returns.

Two Jacob deGrom replacement candidates Rangers can turn to

LHP Jordan Montgomery

The Rangers activated Montgomery from the injured list on Aug. 7. Until recently, he hadn't pitched since 2024 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Montgomery, who signed a one-year, $1.25 million deal with the Rangers in February, has made two appearances out of the bullpen for the Rangers this year, allowing seven runs over six innings. Obviously, those aren't ideal numbers, but Texas could still turn to him to make a start or two if needed.

Even though Montgomery has struggled immensely in his two outings with Texas this year, it wasn't too long ago when the southpaw played a major part in Texas winning its first World Series in franchise history. That version of Montgomery could still be unlocked, even if it seems unlikely.

RHP David Davalillo

Having Davalillo make a start or two would be a much bolder decision than simply slotting Montgomery into the rotation, but it's an option the Rangers should at least consider.

Davalillo, 25, has yet to make his MLB debut. He is Texas' No. 15 overall prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. Over his past six starts with Triple-A Round Rock, Davalillo has recorded a 2.39 ERA with 26 strikeouts over 26 1/3 innings. In his last outing, Davalillo threw six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts while allowing just one hit and no walks.

The young righty is known for his low-80s splitter. He also throws a strong low-80s slider. He mixes in an upper-70s curveball and two- and four-seamers that range from 92-97 mph but aren't considered below-average pitches. On the bright side, Davailillo typically has great command, even though his walk rate is higher than usual this year.

Davalillo is on Texas' 40-man roster, so the team would only need to remove someone from the 26-man roster to make room for him.

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