Veteran catcher Kyle Higashioka, who caught deGrom’s two perfect innings of work on Saturday, had more effusive praise. In his first outing of the spring, deGrom struck out three against Kansas City in two innings, needing just 31 pitches (21 strikes) to complete his work.

The Texas Rangers ace was perfect in two innings of work during his spring training debut Saturday in an exhibition against the Kansas City Royals. He fanned Bobby Witt Jr. and Kyle Isbel in the first inning, and notched another strikeout in the second inning against Tyler Gentry.

Rangers' veteran Jacob deGrom hopes to shake the injuries that have plagued him over the last few years as he enters 2025 feeling healthy.