Jacob deGrom Nears Return After Long Rehab Stint
Jacob deGrom is on the brink of making his much-anticipated return to the mound, providing a glimmer of hope for the Texas Rangers amidst a disappointing season. The star pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023 following Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Fourteen months have passed since deGrom underwent the challenging procedure, reaching the typical recovery threshold teams observe for pitchers following Tommy John surgery. Now, he is set to begin a rehab assignment this week, a key step in his journey back to Major League Baseball.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" said deGrom, expressing his eagerness to finally get back into competitive play. The pitcher is optimistic about his progress and the chance to face opponents again. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," he added.
MLB rules permit pitchers to go on rehab assignments for up to 30 days, during which they can build up their arm strength and refine their mechanics before rejoining their team. If deGrom encounters no setbacks, he is projected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
This impending return comes after deGrom signed a substantial five-year, $185 million deal with Texas prior to the 2023 season. His early performances in a Rangers uniform showcased his exceptional talent and justified the hefty contract. Over just 30 innings in six starts, deGrom recorded a stellar 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+), and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio, reaffirming his status as one of the game's elite pitchers.
However, the Rangers have struggled significantly without their ace. With a current record of 56-68, the team finds itself more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races, making a postseason berth highly unlikely.
deGrom's return, while coming too late to salvage the Rangers' season, still holds immense value. For Texas, seeing their investment back in action is crucial for future planning. Additionally, deGrom's presence on the mound could boost team morale and provide an anchor for a pitching staff that has faced its share of difficulties this season.
As deGrom gets ready to don the Rangers jersey once more, fans and teammates alike will be watching closely, hoping that the hard-throwing right-hander can once again dominate as he did in his early outings for the team. His successful rehab and return could set the stage for a stronger season in 2024 and beyond, when the Rangers hope to be in a better position to compete for a playoff spot.