Jacob deGrom is on the cusp of making a highly anticipated return to the mound, marking a significant moment for both the pitcher and the Texas Rangers franchise. deGrom has been sidelined since April 2023 due to Tommy John surgery required for a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Having now cleared the critical 14-month recovery threshold typically allotted for pitchers recovering from this type of surgery, deGrom is set to begin a rehab assignment this week.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom said, reflecting on the lengthy road to recovery. Major League Baseball rules permit pitchers to undergo rehab assignments for up to 30 days, placing deGrom in a position to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September, assuming no setbacks occur during his rehab period.
Prior to his injury, deGrom had signed a five-year, $185 million deal with the Texas Rangers, bringing with him great expectations and a proven track record. In his early outings for the team, deGrom showcased his exceptional talent, boasting a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings pitched across six starts.
The upcoming return of deGrom comes at a time when the Rangers find themselves struggling in the standings. Currently, the team holds a 56-68 record, trailing by more than 10 games in both the American League West and wild-card races. Given these standings, a postseason berth appears highly unlikely for the Rangers.
For deGrom, the key focus now is on getting back into competitive action and contributing to the team, even if the Rangers' playoff hopes are slim. The pitcher expressed his eagerness to face opposing hitters again, saying, "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit."
The significance of deGrom's return extends beyond just his individual performance. His presence could provide an emotional and morale boost for a team navigating a challenging season. Every inning on the mound for deGrom will be closely watched as he aims to reinforce his role as a leader and ace for the Rangers.
The timing of deGrom’s rehab assignment also offers him a testing ground to fine-tune his mechanics and regain his competitive edge before the season ends. It's a critical step for any pitcher coming back from Tommy John surgery, as live-game scenarios present variabilities that can't be replicated in practice sessions.
In the big picture, deGrom’s return is a hopeful sign not only for the Rangers but for fans and the baseball community at large. His elite pitching abilities, demonstrated throughout his career, make him one of the game’s standout performers, and his return adds a compelling narrative to the final stretch of the MLB season.
As the Rangers prepare to welcome back their star pitcher, the focus will be on ensuring he remains healthy and effective. Both the team’s medical staff and deGrom himself will be meticulously monitoring his progress, making necessary adjustments to maximize his post-surgery performance and safeguard his arm for the seasons ahead.
Ultimately, while the Rangers may not be eyeing a playoff run this year, the return of Jacob deGrom offers a glimmer of hope and a foundational piece for the future. For deGrom, the upcoming weeks will be about rebuilding, not just physically, but also mentally, as he steps back onto the mound and continues his journey with the Rangers.