Rangers' Jacob deGrom reaches 2,000 strikeouts in 2nd-fewest games and innings pitched

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jacob deGrom reached 2,000 career strikeouts in the second-fewest games and innings pitched in major league history when the Texas Rangers right-hander fanned the first two batters among his 10 K's in a 2-0 win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday night.

DeGrom struck out Daylen Lile and Abimelec Ortiz, both of whom chased sliders below the zone. He received a standing ovation and acknowledged the applause by tapping his cap over his heart.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner said the achievement was “cool” but added he likely won't reflect on it or other personal milestones until he's done pitching.

“Maybe whenever my career is over I’ll look at that kind of stuff,” he said. “But even when the season’s over, I’m like, ‘I’ve got to figure out a way to get outs the following year.’”

DeGrom (9-8, 3.77 ERA) allowed a second-inning single and a fifth-inning walk, both to Brady House, in six innings while throwing 94 pitches. He struck out the side in the fourth, and his 10 strikeouts matched a season best.

DeGrom was pulled from his previous start on Aug. 13 after only two innings because of triceps fatigue. Texas manager Skip Schumaker was among those who feared deGrom would go on the injured list. Instead, his start against Washington was pushed back one day.

“It was vintage deGrom,” Schumaker said.

DeGrom has 2,008 strikeouts in 1,666 1/3 innings over 272 starts since his big league debut in 2014 with the New York Mets. He has 157 strikeouts in 126 2/3 innings this season.

Hall of Famer Randy Johnson got his 2,000th strikeout in his 262nd appearance for the fewest games. Chris Sale holds the record for fewest innings at 1,626.

The 38-year-old deGrom is the ninth active player and 95th in history to reach the milestone. He is the fourth this season, following Kevin Gausman, Sonny Gray and Aaron Nola.

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom throws and strikes out Washington Nationals' Abimelec Ortiz, his 2000th career strikeout, in the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom acknowledges cheers from fans after striking out Washington Nationals' Abimelec Ortiz to earn his 2,000th career strikeout in the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom, center right, stands by the mound after striking out Washington Nationals designated hitter Abimelec Ortiz that gave him his 2,000th career strikeout in the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom acknowledges cheers from fans after striking out Washington Nationals' Abimelec Ortiz to earn his 2,000th career strikeout in the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

HOUSTON (AP) — Top draft pick Fernando Mendoza struggled in his second preseason game, throwing an interception that Houston returned for a touchdown before the Las Vegas Raiders rallied late for a 22-20 victory over the Texans on Thursday night.

Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to a national title, played the first half and went 8 of 15 for 86 yards. The performance came after he threw a touchdown pass in his preseason debut last week against Arizona playing behind Kirk Cousins.

On Thursday, Mendoza’s third pass was overthrown and intercepted by Wade Woodaz, who returned it 80 yards for a touchdown that made it 14-0. Mendoza chased him down, but Woodaz shoved him aside near the 15 and continued to the end zone.

Mendoza was sacked once and took several other hits playing against Houston’s second-string defense. He played five series and led his team to just one field goal.

C.J. Stroud led the Texans to a touchdown on his only series in his first action of the preseason. Stroud and the offensive line were among the few Texans starters who played.

Stroud was 4 of 6 for 27 yards and a 20-yard scoring run by Woody Marks on the drive he led made it 7-0.

The Raiders also rested most of their starters, including Cousins, defensive end Maxx Crosby, running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers.

A 4-yard run by Dylan Laube with about five minutes left in the third got the Raiders within 20-10.

Former Texan Dare Ogunbowale scored on a 19-yard run with less than eight minutes to go. Kansei Matsuzawa's extra point failed to make it 20-16.

Aidan O'Connell relieved Mendoza in the second half. He scored a 1-yard touchdown on a tush push with 14 seconds to go to put the Raiders ahead 22-20. Matsuzawa missed that extra point, too.

Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn made field goals of 51 and 57 yards in his first preseason action after sitting out last week. Matt Gay kicked a 52-yarder in the second quarter for the Raiders.

Houston defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft, played the entire first half after sitting out last week. He rejoined the Texans on a one-year contract earlier this month after spending his first five seasons in Houston.

He had a tackle and a quarterback hurry Thursday night. Clowney spent last season with the Cowboys and had 8 1/2 sacks.

Las Vegas linebacker Buddy Johnson left early in the third quarter with a shoulder injury but returned in the fourth. … Las Vegas CB Chigozie Anusiem was carted off the field in the third quarter with a knee injury.

Raiders: Host San Francisco next Thursday night in their final preseason game.

Texans: End the preseason with a visit to Carolina on Aug. 28.

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Houston Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz (30) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws to wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, l Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) is hit by Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws against the Houston Texans while under pressure during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)