Red Sox broadcaster's shot at Jacob deGrom sparks harsh reality for Rangers fans

On Monday Boston Red Sox television broadcaster Lou Merloni took aim at Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom during Boston's spring training game against the New York Mets.

The comment of course was injury related as is most people's unprovoked shots at deGrom the last few years. However, just like others, the comments aren't totally off base and that is a harsh reality that Rangers' fans have to accept.

The actual comment from Merloni occurred during a time in the broadcast about the Red Sox season opener, which will take place in late March in Arlington against the Rangers. Merloni was complimentary of the talent on the Texas team and honest about their struggles last being from simply underperforming. After that, he took the shot at deGrom.

"The problem is you get them [the Rangers] on that opening series when deGrom is healthy. You want to play them in August when he is on the IL."

It's important to note at the same time it was a highly complimentary comment at the same time. While it might sound like more of a roast, it does acknowledge how talented deGrom is and the threat he poses as a pitcher.

But it's funny because he clearly hadn't heard that Rangers manager Bruce Bochy announced on that same day, deGrom will start the regular season at the back end of the rotation. While the series against Boston is a four game set to start the year deGrom still likely won't pitch against the Red Sox. So Lou, you got your wish! The Red Sox might not have to face the two-time Cy Young winner in a few weeks.

There is however a harsh truth to his statement. deGrom hasn't pitched in the month of August since 2022 with the New York Mets and in his two year tenure with Texas, he's only started nine games with the organization, six before Tommy John Surgery and three post-recovery last season.

Therefore as fans we can't even get mad at Lou for the comment because it is 100% accurate. We have no leg to stand on and that is the scary reality with deGrom. He's entering his first fully healthy season in a long time and there's still no guarantee he'll be able to pitch a complete season.

Rangers' fans will be watching every deGrom start this season on the edge of their seat hoping he doesn't get hurt. It's that exact way I watched his final start of 2023 on April 28 against the New York Yankees. When he exited that game in the middle of the fourth inning a million thoughts ran through my head and it turned out they were all correct.

It's a harsh reality that as fans we will have to understand and accept moving forward. deGrom may not make it through a full season so we better soak up all the excitement and wonder while we can because it could come to an end at any moment.