Rangers injury update: Is early buzz about Jacob deGrom's health cause for concern?

It feels like clockwork at this point but we have yet another potential injury scare revolving around ace Jacob deGrom that is getting Rangers' fans worried about his future status.

The news first surfaced following deGrom's Monday start after getting taken out after just five innings of work and 78 pitches. No one thought more of it, as it being early in the season, but afterward manager Skip Schumaker confirmed it was a precaution due to knee discomfort.

It's already been a rocky start health wise for the 37-year-old Stetson alum after his season debut was pushed back a few days after waking up the day of his start with a stiff neck. Is more trouble brewing on the injury front?

DeGrom's injury: Serious or just a sign of getting older?

By human standards, a 37-year-old is not old but from a professional athlete standpoint it's definitely near the end of the average player's career regardless of sport. A few break the mold but it's not out of the ordinary to see a rash of injuries sideline a player in his late-30s.

We all know his injury history, including the pair of Tommy John surgeries, with the most recent coming during his first season with Texas back in 2023. One of the generations best pitchers with back-to-back Cy Young Awards has been plagued with injuries in the back half of his career.

He's started out the season with a less than deGrom standard 4.2 innings and three earned runs against Baltimore on March 31. Then he dealt a marvelous five innings with just a Cal Raleigh first inning solo homer on his record.

During his four seasons with Texas, deGrom has a 2.90 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 257 strikeouts, an All-Star selection and the 2025 American League Comeback Player of the Year after posting a franchise best 0.92 WHIP.

Now, Texas will patiently await the results of his MRI to see if there's anything further to be discouraged about. As for the All-Star right-hander, even the day after he feels fine and would have even gone back out for the sixth inning.