Jacob deGrom, Martín Pérez: Who Starts Opening Day for Rangers?

For a starting pitcher, taking the hill on Opening Day is a dream come true. The chance to do it at home makes it sweeter.

Last season, Jon Gray had the honors for the Texas Rangers in Toronto. Kyle Gibson did it the year before. However, for the first time in Globe Life Field history, the Rangers will be at home for Opening Day with fans in the stands. (Fans weren't at the the 2020 Opening Day due to COVID-19 restrictions.)

Spring Training games open Friday for the Rangers. The club has scheduled pitchers for the first two games against the Kansas City Royals. Prized prospect Evan Carter is also expected to play in the opener.

As for the real Opening Day, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy hasn't revealed who would deliver that first pitch March 30 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Still, the choices appear to be obvious.

When the Rangers went out and signed Jacob deGrom, it was evident he would become the ace of the staff. deGrom is a two-time National League CY Young award winner, a four-time All-Star and finished in the top 10 in league MVP voting twice in his career.

His pedigree overshadows missing the first four months of last season with a shoulder injury. Even with a down year, deGrom struck out 102 hitters in 64 innings and allowed eight walks for the New York Mets.

However, Martín Pérez earned his first All-Star appearance, won American League pitcher of the month after an incredible May and unanimously won the Rangers Pitcher of the Year last season. In addition, his career-low 2.89 ERA in 2022 shattered his previous season low set in 2013 (3.62), struck out 169 batters (34 more than his previous career high) and set a career low in WHIP (1.258).

Pérez has never started Opening Day, while deGrom has done so twice (2019 and '21).

So, do the Rangers go with a recognized ace or their ace from last season?

There is no wrong answer to the question. Ultimately, Bochy will decide and make that announcement sometime during Spring Training.

One thought is deGrom on the mound that Thursday afternoon against a familiar rival with Pérez starting the finale of the three-game series against the Phillies. The plus for Pérez is that would be a nationally-televised Sunday night game on ESPN against the 2022 NL champions. Also, Pérez threw 13 shutout innings against Philadelphia in two starts last year.

The Rangers' first priority is to ensure both are healthy coming out of  Spring Training. deGrom had a minor setback as pitchers and catchers reported. deGrom did throw off the mound for the first time on the eve of the spring opener.

Pérez will get a break away from the team to join Venezuela for the World Baseball Classic.

You can find Alex Plinck on Twitter @aplinckTX.

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