Jacob Latz weathers storm as Rangers' ace scratched prior to season debut

Going into the second game of the regular season, Texas Rangers' fans were highly confident sending two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom to the mound but that changed late Saturday morning.

After waking up, deGrom experienced neck stiffness and despite trying to work it out pre-game, the 35-year-old was scratched from his start and lefty Jacob Latz took his place.

Desperately needing a bounce back after a discouraging loss in Thursday's season opener, Latz provided exactly what Texas needed in an emergency situation.

Latz returns to 2025 ways with emergency start with Rangers

Making a start with only a few hours notice is a challenge for big league pitchers because it takes them time to get into the mindset to get on the mound. Latz, a reliever and occasional spot starter, has to find it easier following four scoreless innings against the Phillies on Saturday.

Last year Latz made eight starts, with several coming in spot start or injury scenarios. The 29-year-old recorded a 1-0 record with a 2.72 ERA, 34 strikeouts and 15 walks in 39.2 innings of work. Set to get the year started in the bullpen, Latz's emergency start for deGrom on Saturday had three strikeouts and a walk with no hits allowed.

Rangers' fans hold breath on deGrom's status

Now the attention turns to the status of one of Texas's ace in deGrom. The stiff neck appeared on Saturday so it wasn't a long time issue and it's expected not to be one moving forward.

deGrom arrived to the ballpark on the first bus to attempt to work out the stiffness and after throwing a few pylo balls he was officially ruled out. Sometimes the cold contributes to stiffness and with it being low-to-mid 40s in Philadelphia this weekend, it could have played part of it.

No need to worry as Rangers' fan though. After the initial disbelief from being scratched, Texas expects him to make his season debut in Baltimore, which begins on Monday and runs through Wednesday.