Jacob deGrom Nears Return After Lengthy Rehab
Jacob deGrom, one of MLB's premier pitchers, is on the verge of making his much-anticipated return to the mound after an extended hiatus. The Texas Rangers ace has been sidelined since April 2023, following Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. As he embarks on a rehab assignment this week, all signs point towards a successful recovery for the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
DeGrom's rehab assignment marks a significant milestone, as teams generally allocate around 14 months for recovery from Tommy John surgery. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom said, expressing his readiness and eagerness to get back into competitive play. Having cleared this crucial threshold, his path to rejoining the Rangers' roster seems promising.
The MLB rules allow pitchers up to 30 days for a rehab assignment, providing deGrom a window to regain his form. If everything proceeds without setbacks, he is projected to be back with the Rangers by mid-September at the latest. This timeline aligns well with his progress and the expectations set by the team’s medical and coaching staff.
Prior to his injury, deGrom had a stellar albeit brief start to his career with the Rangers. After signing a lucrative five-year, $185 million deal before the 2023 season, he posted impressive early numbers. In just 30 innings across six starts, deGrom notched a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an astonishing 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio, reaffirming his status as one of the game's elite pitchers.
However, the Rangers’ season has not fared as well in deGrom’s absence. The team currently holds a 56-68 record and is more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races, making a postseason berth highly unlikely. Despite the team’s struggles, deGrom’s return provides a glimmer of hope and a resurgence of competitive spirit for the remaining games.
DeGrom also emphasized the importance of facing live hitters during his rehab assignment. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," he remarked. This phase will undoubtedly be critical for him to regain his timing and confidence on the mound.
For the Rangers, deGrom’s return will be a welcome boost as they seek to finish the season on a high note. The blend of veteran leadership and his undeniable talent could inject new life into a team looking to build momentum for future seasons. While the playoffs may be out of reach, deGrom's presence on the field could set the tone for a more resilient and competitive team in the years to come.
In conclusion, Jacob deGrom's nearing return to the mound is a significant development not just for the Texas Rangers, but for baseball fans everywhere. His journey back from Tommy John surgery showcases his resilience and dedication to the game. As he prepares to don the Rangers uniform once more, all eyes will be on the star pitcher, rooting for a triumphant comeback. The remainder of the season will undoubtedly be a crucial period for deGrom, the Rangers, and their fans.