Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that five innings or 75 pitches is a likely target range for Jacob deGrom on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

deGrom will be on a bit of a restriction which should not be a huge surprise. He'll look to open the season on a high note against the Red Sox.

Jacob deGrom will start the series finale on Sunday for the Rangers against the Red Sox.

Fantasy Impact

deGrom certainly isn't the actual No. 4 starter in the rotation for Texas, but that's where he'll slide to open the season. We know how good he can be when healthy. That'll be the goal this season is for him to post a healthy season for the Rangers.

Jacob deGrom pitched three innings in a minor league game on Friday against the Cleveland Guardians.

Fantasy Impact

DeGrom pitched three shutout innings on 37 pitches, with his fastball sitting at 94-96 mph. He threw seven curveballs, landing five for strikes, and plans to use the curveball regularly this season to keep hitters off balance, a strategy he last employed in 2018. DeGrom's injury history makes him a risky draft pick in fantasy leagues, but his tremendous upside makes him worth the risk if he slips in drafts.

DeGrom won't pitch Thursday as originally planned while recovering from a stomach virus, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said, per Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News.

Fantasy Impact

DeGrom had been lined up to pitch against the Giants in Cactus League action or throw in a minor-league game, but illness will keep him off the mound entirely. While this shouldn't impact his status for Opening Day, he can’t afford to miss too many throwing sessions this late in camp. The Rangers have already been cautious with deGrom’s buildup this spring, as he threw 31 pitches in his first Cactus League start last Saturday. He’ll likely need to ramp up to 60-70 pitches before the season begins to avoid early workload restrictions.

Jacob deGrom is scheduled to make his second spring training start Thursday against the Giants.

Fantasy Impact

DeGrom made his spring debut on March 8, pitching two hitless innings and striking out three. While the number of pitches he'll throw in his Thursday outing is unclear, the goal is for him to reach 5-6 innings by his first regular season start.