DeGrom transferred to 60-day IL, out until at least end of June

The red-hot Texas Rangers will be without their ace for a little while longer.

Right-hander Jacob deGrom, who hasn't pitched since April because of right elbow inflammation, was transferred to the 60-day injured list Monday as part of a series of roster moves, the Rangers announced.

The earliest he'll be able to return to the rotation is June 28.

DeGrom did not necessarily suffer a setback in his rehab process that necessitated this move, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. He will have a follow-up MRI this week, presumably to check in on his progress. There's still no timetable for when he might return.

"I'm confident he's going to pitch. I just can't tell you the timing," general manager Chris Young told Grant.

Texas placed the 34-year-old on the IL on April 29, one day after he experienced forearm tightness while in the middle of a one-hitter. At the time, deGrom hoped he could get the elbow inflammation "knocked out" in a just couple of days.

He came out of a bullpen session May 26 feeling alright, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Manager Bruce Bochy said last week that the team was considering bringing him back to the majors without a rehab assignment, a possibility that's now likely gone.

DeGrom, arguably baseball's best pitcher when healthy, has made just 44 big-league starts since his last award-winning season in 2019. He's missed time due to a litany of issues, including forearm and elbow injuries in 2019 and '21 and a stress reaction on his right scapula last season.

The two-time Cy Young winner joined Texas on a five-year, $185-million deal in the offseason. He posted a 2.67 ERA, 1.57 FIP, and 0.758 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and four walks in six starts with his new team before getting hurt.

DeGrom's move to the 60-day IL opened a 40-man roster spot for right-hander Spencer Howard, whom the Rangers activated from the IL ahead of Monday's game. The 25-year-old has yet to pitch this season because of a right lat strain.

Texas also optioned right-hander Jonathan Hernandez to Triple-A Round Rock.