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.

Entering the All-Star break, the right-hander has a 2.32 ERA across 19 starts, holding opposing hitters to a .194 batting average while also limiting the total number of base runners with a 0.91 WHIP. deGrom was named to the American League roster in the All-Star Game, which is now his fifth selection and the first outside of the National League.