It's official. It'll be Aaron Nola vs. Jacob deGrom in Texas for Opening Day 2023 on Thursday, March 30th between the Phillies and Rangers.
deGrom will face off against Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola, who will be making his sixth straight start on Opening Day. deGrom was the Mets' opening day starter from 2019-2021.
Nola, 29, went 11-13 last season with a 3.25 ERA.
The Rangers signed deGrom to a five-year, $185 million contract in the offseason despite him making only 26 starts since 2021 due to various injuries.
The 34-year-old right-hander was held out at the beginning of spring camp as he dealt with tightness in his left side. But he made his first appearance in Cactus League action this week and expects to make one more start Friday vs. the Chicago Cubs.
deGrom will become the 13th Rangers pitcher to start on opening day in the last 14 seasons.