How the Rangers would handle Jacob deGrom in his first full season back from elbow surgery was a mystery all spring as he met every challenge and looked better and better with each outing. Here’s how they handled him: They’ve basically let him just be, which, all things considered, seems like a pretty good idea.

deGrom won't be on the same team as his former Mets brethren on Tuesday when he suits up for the All-Star Game. But he did get the opportunity to reflect on his tenure and what it means to reconnect in his third season away from the Big Apple.

Right-handed starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is in his 12th major-league season and third as a member of the Texas Rangers. The 37-year-old veteran originally debuted for the New York Mets in 2014 where he cemented himself as one of the game’s best young talents winning National League Rookie of the Year.