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.

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.

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.