Jacob deGrom was expected to reach another major career milestone last week against the Los Angeles Angels on the road, but right triceps discomfort prevented it from happening.

Last night, the Texas Rangers ace finally got there.

Pitching at Globe Life Field, deGrom recorded the 2,000th strikeout of his MLB career during Texas’ 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals.

The achievement made deGrom the 95th pitcher in MLB history to reach at least 2,000 strikeouts.

He also became the second-fastest pitcher ever to reach the mark in both innings pitched and games played.

deGrom wasted little time Thursday, striking out the first two Washington hitters he faced.

Those batters were Daylen Lile and Abimelec Ortiz, with Ortiz having been traded by Texas during the offseason in the deal that brought left-hander MacKenzie Gore to the Rangers.

deGrom finished the outing with 10 strikeouts and a walk in six innings while surrendering only a hit.

Only Randy Johnson reached 2,000 career strikeouts in fewer games, accomplishing the feat in 262 appearances.

Chris Sale is the only pitcher to reach the milestone in fewer innings, doing so after 1,626 innings.

deGrom reached 2,000 strikeouts in 272 games and 1,661 innings.

The milestone strengthens what could eventually become a fascinating Baseball Hall of Fame case. Particularly because deGrom’s career may challenge traditional ideas about what constitutes a Cooperstown resume.

His accomplishments are substantial.

deGrom was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2014 with the New York Mets before capturing consecutive National League Cy Young Awards in 2018 and 2019.

He also won the ERA title in 2018 with a 1.70 mark and has been selected to five All-Star teams.

deGrom owns a World Series ring from Texas in 2023, although a torn UCL in his right elbow prevented him from pitching much that season.

Injuries have complicated his career since 2021.

During his final two seasons with the Mets, deGrom made only 26 starts but went 12-6 with a 1.90 ERA in 156.1 innings.

After joining Texas, he missed most of the 2023 and 2024 seasons following a second Tommy John surgery. In those two years deGrom had combined record of 2-0 with a 2.41 ERA in 41 innings across nine starts.

He went 12-8 with a 2.97 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 172.2 innings over 30 starts last season, recording 122 strikeouts against 57 walks.

deGrom’s Hall of Fame argument ultimately revolves around brilliance versus durability.

At his best, his combination of velocity, command, competitiveness and ability to dominate elite hitters has been extraordinary. Few pitchers of his generation have matched his peak.

His willingness to attack hitters and maintain elite standards even after major surgeries also speaks to his resilience.

At 38 with only one year remaining on his Texas contract, pitching longer would unquestionably strengthen his case.

The larger question is how much more voters need to see, and whether his extraordinary peak can outweigh the significant time injuries took away.