Did the Astros End the Rangers' Playoff Hopes for Good?

Jacob deGrom's recent performance has raised concerns about his future on the mound for the Texas Rangers, especially after a disappointing series against the Houston Astros. Following a lacklustre outing where he allowed five runs in a 5-2 defeat, questions loom over whether he will pitch again this season as the Rangers' playoff hopes dwindle.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• DeGrom struggled in his last start, contributing to the Rangers' series sweep by the Astros.
• The Rangers are trailing the Boston Red Sox for the final wild card spot by 4.5 games.
• Manager Bruce Bochy emphasised the need for the team to play with urgency and tighten their performance.
• The rotation, previously a strength, has faltered significantly in recent games.
• DeGrom's future starts are uncertain as the team's playoff chances diminish.

Recent Performance Analysis

In the latest matchup against the Astros, Jacob deGrom displayed signs of struggle that have now become a concerning trend. He allowed all five runs in a game that the Rangers needed to win to stay competitive in the playoff race. This outing marked the culmination of a series where the Rangers failed to lead in any inning, indicating a significant breakdown in their performance.

DeGrom's Disappointing Outing

DeGrom's performance was marred by a high pitch count early on, as he threw 35 pitches in the first inning alone. This inefficiency set the tone for the game, culminating in a two-run single and two home runs from notable hitters like Jose Altuve and Jeremy Peña. His frustration was palpable, as he expressed disappointment in not fulfilling his role effectively: "We definitely needed to win this one, and I did not do my job. That’s why we lost the game."

The Rangers' Struggles

As the Rangers faced the Astros, it became evident that their recent slump was not just confined to deGrom. The team has experienced a multi-faceted breakdown, with critical errors and poor performance from key hitters contributing to their woes. The Nos. 3-5 hitters in the lineup, including Joc Pederson, Rowdy Tellez, and Adolis García, combined for a dismal 1 for 12 performance in the series opener, further complicating their chances for success.

Managerial Perspective

Manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged the team's precarious situation. "We know our backs are to the wall," he stated, urging his players to approach the remaining games with a mentality of playing without fear. Bochy’s focus on tightening the defence and improving pitching reflects a shared understanding that drastic changes are necessary to revive their season.

Playoff Prospects

With the Rangers now trailing the Boston Red Sox by 4.5 games for the final wild card spot, the urgency to win is palpable. The team's elimination number is down to six, meaning any combination of Red Sox victories or Rangers losses that reaches this total will officially end their playoff hopes. A quick glance at the schedule suggests that the team must turn things around immediately, or face an early conclusion to their season.

DeGrom's Future Starts

Looking ahead, deGrom’s next scheduled start would be against the Minnesota Twins. However, with the Rangers' playoff chances rapidly dwindling, management may reconsider if it is worth risking deGrom's health for a few meaningless games. He has already pitched 167⅓ innings this season, exceeding expectations significantly given his recent injury history. The prospect of him reaching 30 starts this season raises additional questions about his long-term health and performance.

The Impact of Injuries

The Rangers are also contending with injuries that have sidelined key players, further complicating their situation. The absence of regular starters has put immense pressure on the remaining roster, forcing Bochy to shuffle positions and batting orders in an attempt to find a winning combination. This instability has likely contributed to the team's inability to perform under pressure, as seen in their recent series against the Astros.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for DeGrom?

As the situation stands, Jacob deGrom may face a tough decision ahead. If the Rangers are officially eliminated from contention, prioritising his health and future will likely take precedence over finishing the season strong. The question remains: will he take the mound again, or will the Rangers opt to preserve their ace's arm for the next season?

Conclusion

In summary, the recent struggles of Jacob deGrom and the Texas Rangers have brought to light significant challenges as the season draws to a close. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the team must rally together to finish strong, but the looming question of deGrom's future remains an uncertainty. The remaining games will be critical in determining not only the fate of the Rangers' season but also the trajectory of deGrom's career moving forward.

FAQs

What happened to Jacob deGrom in his last game?

Jacob deGrom struggled in his last outing, allowing five runs in a loss against the Houston Astros, contributing to the Rangers' sweep in the series.

What are the Rangers' chances for the playoffs now?

The Rangers currently trail the Boston Red Sox by 4.5 games for the final wild card spot, with their elimination number down to six games.

Will Jacob deGrom pitch again this season?

DeGrom's next scheduled start is against the Minnesota Twins, but with the Rangers' playoff hopes fading, management may prioritise his health over additional games.

How has Jacob deGrom performed this season?

Despite recent struggles, deGrom has pitched 167⅓ innings this season, significantly surpassing expectations after previous injury issues, and currently holds a 3.01 ERA.

What is the impact of injuries on the Rangers' performance?

The Rangers have faced several key injuries that have weakened their lineup, forcing managerial changes and contributing to their recent poor performances.