Jacob deGrom Nears Return to the Mound
Jacob deGrom is on the verge of making his much-anticipated return to Major League Baseball. The star pitcher, who has not seen action since April 2023, is slated to begin a rehab assignment this week. This follows his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Teams typically allocate about 14 months for pitchers to recover from this significant procedure, and deGrom has now surpassed this crucial recovery milestone. With MLB rules permitting pitchers to go on rehab assignments for up to 30 days, all signs point towards deGrom rejoining the Texas Rangers by mid-September, assuming there are no setbacks.
deGrom's Recovery Process
The pitcher himself expressed optimism regarding his recovery. “My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" said deGrom, who has been diligently working through his rehab process. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit."
This impending return is particularly significant for deGrom, who signed a hefty five-year deal with Texas worth $185 million before the 2023 season. Unfortunately, injury struck early, limiting him to just six starts and 30 innings. Nevertheless, his brief tenure on the mound showcased his potential impact on the team. He delivered a stellar performance with a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The Rangers' Struggles
Despite deGrom's promising numbers, the Rangers have had a challenging season. With a current record of 56-68, they are more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races. Given their standing, a postseason berth appears unlikely, casting a shadow over the immediate future of the team.
However, deGrom's return could still provide a morale boost for the struggling squad. His presence on the mound could help stabilize the pitching rotation and offer valuable experience to younger teammates. Moreover, his progress and performance during the rehab assignment will be closely monitored, not just by fans but by the organization as well, as they look ahead to future seasons.
Looking Forward
The road to recovery has been long and arduous for deGrom, but his return will undoubtedly be a focal point for the Rangers and their fans. The team, while facing an uphill battle for the remainder of the season, can at least look forward to the potential return of their star pitcher. All eyes will be on deGrom as he embarks on his rehab assignment, with everyone hoping for a successful and healthy comeback to the mound.