The ace of the Texas staff has pitched like one. But how many innings does he have left as the Rangers float around playoff contention?

Jacob deGrom is an All-Star ace again after several injury-filled seasons. This is his fifth All-Star nod, his first for the Texas Rangers and in the American League.

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.