Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom in the second inning of the Frisco RoughRiders AA game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Monday, March 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom finally pitched a game with the Texas Rangers, albeit in the minor leagues.

Rangers were cautious with their valuable addition as he felt a strain on his left side ahead of spring training. His first exhibition game took place in a controlled environment with Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.

“The first two hitters, I didn’t place my fastball very well,” deGrom admitted. “The second run, I improved a bit. Everything felt good.”

New Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said he had “seen” deGrom with his executions and speed.

ALSO IN THE GARDEN

– Max Scherzer started Monday for the Mets in a minor league game. The right-hander allowed five runs (three earned) in five innings.

–Tylor Megill, who could get a shot in the starting rotation due to Jose Quintana’s broken rib, retired three of four scoreless innings in the Mets main game against the Marlins.

– While deGrom pitched in the minor leagues, another Rangers newcomer did the same at the Surprise Complex. Nathan Eovaldi, who had a strain on the right side, allowed two hits in two scoreless innings with Double-A Frisco.

UPDATE

The New York Mets are expected to receive an update this week on the status of Colombian Jose Quintana, who arrived in free agency and suffered a stress fracture in his left rib.

Mets general manager Billy Eppler said Monday the team was still receiving information from doctors after the pitcher traveled from Florida to New York for further evaluation.

MUSGROVE PIE

Padres star pitcher Joe Musgrove pitched his second bullpen session on Monday since breaking his big toe in his left foot when he dropped a weight on his foot two weeks ago .

“Again, it’s a miracle he didn’t feel it,” Padres manager Bob Melvin said.

Melvin said he still believes it’s “unlikely” Musgrove will pitch on Day 1 on March 30 against Colorado and doesn’t have a schedule for the home pitcher.

THE RETURN OF RIZZO

Anthony Rizzo said he felt good at batting practice Monday, a day after the Yankees ruled him out with a sore back.

Although he did not play on Monday, the team said they did not believe the problem was serious.

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