Jacob deGrom Nears Return to the Mound
Jacob deGrom is on the verge of making a much-anticipated return to Major League Baseball. The star pitcher has been out of action since April 2023, following a significant injury that led to him undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. After a grueling 14 months of rehabilitation, deGrom is now ready to begin his rehab assignment this week.
Recovery from Tommy John surgery typically takes around 14 months, a milestone that deGrom has now achieved. Speaking about his progress, deGrom remarked, "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" Clearly, the prolonged recovery period has not dampened his enthusiasm to return to the game.
The MLB allows pitchers to go on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, which provides deGrom a window to ease back into competitive play. If he completes his rehab assignment without any setbacks, he is projected to rejoin the Texas Rangers by mid-September at the latest—a timeline that has fans and the team’s management equally excited.
Before his injury, deGrom demonstrated his exceptional skills in the early part of the 2023 season. He posted an impressive 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts. These statistics underscore why the Rangers invested in him with a five-year, $185 million deal prior to the 2023 season.
However, the Ranger's current season record of 56-68 tells a different story. The team finds itself more than 10 games behind both in the American League West and the wild-card races. Consequently, a postseason berth seems highly unlikely for the Rangers this year.
Even in the face of these challenges, deGrom’s return could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s morale. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom said. The pitcher’s presence alone could serve as a significant morale booster for a team looking to end the season on a positive note.
The anticipation surrounding deGrom's return is palpable. After months of rehab and moments of uncertain progress, seeing him back on the mound would mark a triumph not just for the player but also for the medical and coaching staff who have supported him through his recovery. His return is eagerly awaited not just for the immediate impact he might have, but also as a glimmer of hope for what's to come in the future for the Texas Rangers.
As deGrom steps closer to rejoining the Rangers, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. Will he be the same dominant force he was pre-injury? Can he provide a spark that will carry into the next season? These questions will soon be answered as he takes the final steps in his long journey back to the mound.