The Texas Rangers will rely on Jacob deGrom’s dominant pitching for Texas Rangers when they face the rising Chicago White Sox on Saturday in the second game of a three-match series in Arlington, Texas. DeGrom, the Rangers’ leading right-handed pitcher with a 6-2 record and a 2.12 ERA, is set to start while the injury-plagued White Sox turn to a bullpen strategy due to Jonathan Cannon’s lower back strain.
Strong Start to Series and Individual Performances
After winning the series opener 3-1 on Friday, aided by Josh Smith’s home run and scoring all three runs, Texas is riding strong momentum with victories in five of their last six games. The White Sox, meanwhile, have dropped three games in a row. DeGrom has been excellent in his June outings, winning both starts while allowing only one run on six hits across 13 innings. His latest performance on June 7 against Washington was impressive, pitching seven scoreless innings with only two hits and no walks, striking out eight on 81 pitches to secure a 5-0 win for Texas.
deGrom’s Consistency and Managerial Praise
(Against the Nationals) I felt a little bit smoother than I have all year,
deGrom said.
It was more consistent. It’s a feel thing. It’s hard to explain. But I just felt more comfortable.
DeGrom’s dominance is evident in his ten consecutive starts allowing two runs or fewer, maintaining a 1.61 ERA during this stretch. Texas manager Bruce Bochy emphasized his value, saying,
“It’s hard to quantify how much (deGrom) means to the club. He’s just so consistent, and he sends such a sense of confidence when he’s on the mound. He does mean a lot to this team.”
Previous Success Against the White Sox and Upcoming Challenges
DeGrom holds a 1.29 ERA in two prior starts against Chicago, with two runs allowed on 10 hits over 14 innings, complemented by four walks and 21 strikeouts. Saturday’s start marks his first appearance against the White Sox since 2019, when he pitched for the New York Mets. This matchup presents a significant test as the Rangers look to maintain their winning streak.
White Sox Show Resilience Amid Rotation Adjustments
The White Sox are showing signs of improvement, achieving a 5-5 record in their last ten games and shifting focus from merely competing to aiming for wins and series successes. On Friday, Chicago came close to tying the game with a potential winning run on base in the ninth inning but could not deliver the hit needed. Manager Will Venable reflected on this encouraging change, stating,
“You’re starting to feel a change from, ‘Way to go, we competed,’ to, ‘We’re upset that we didn’t win the game.’ That’s the reflection of the growth of this club, and I think that’s what you earn by playing good baseball.”
White Sox Bullpen Strategy and New Additions to the Staff
With a limited rotation, the White Sox opted for a bullpen game with right-hander Mike Vasil starting again Saturday. Vasil, who is 3-2 with a 2.18 ERA this season, pitched 3 1/3 innings against the Kansas City Royals last Sunday, allowing two runs on five hits with a walk and one strikeout in a 7-5 loss. To reinforce the pitching staff, Chicago acquired right-hander Aaron Civale from Milwaukee on Friday, trading first baseman Andrew Vaughn and cash. Civale has a 1-2 record and a 4.91 ERA in five starts this season, and manager Venable announced Civale will start Sunday’s game.
Significance for Texas Rangers and White Sox Moving Forward
The upcoming games hold considerable importance as the Rangers aim to sustain their recent winning form boosted by deGrom’s dominant pitching for Texas Rangers, while the White Sox strive to translate their recent competitive performances into consistent victories. DeGrom’s role remains vital to Texas’ success, providing reliability and confidence on the mound. Meanwhile, Chicago’s adjustments to their roster and pitching strategies reflect their determination to overcome challenges and continue growing as a club.