Jacob deGrom throws (hard) and sees opening week as realistic possibility

(Rangers Today/Jeff Wilson)

SURPRISE, Ariz. — The radar gun or Trackman or Rapsodo or whatever measures velocity these days was spitting out readings Wednesday morning that normally would draw a crowd.

But it was Jacob deGrom, who throws 100 mph like any other pitcher does 88. Even in his first live batting practice of his first spring training with the Texas Rangers, his easy 98 and a pop or two at 100 weren’t mesmerizing numbers.

What they indicated is that deGrom is healthy, no longer bothered by the left side tightness that never really was much of a bother. The right-hander seemed so confident with his health that he is peeking into the future.