Jacob deGrom is poised to make a significant return to the mound after a lengthy recovery period. The Texas Rangers' star pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023, following Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. As of now, deGrom has passed the critical 14-month recovery milestone typically required for such a procedure.
With his arm feeling strong, deGrom is set to embark on a rehab assignment this week. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom noted as he expressed his eagerness to rejoin his teammates and face live batters once again. The rehab assignment marks the final step in his return, with MLB rules allowing pitchers to participate in rehab for up to 30 days.
If all goes as planned without any setbacks, deGrom is expected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest. This timeline aligns perfectly with the team's plans, as they look to integrate their ace back into the rotation before the season concludes.
DeGrom, who signed a lucrative five-year deal worth $185 million with Texas prior to the 2023 season, quickly proved his worth in his early performances for the team. Over just 30 innings across six starts, he posted a 2.67 ERA with a stellar 161 ERA+ and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. These numbers underscore the talent and dominance he brings to the mound, making his impending return highly anticipated.
However, the Rangers find themselves in a challenging position as they currently hold a 56-68 record. They trail by more than 10 games in both the American League West and the wild-card races, making a postseason berth highly unlikely. Despite this, the team remains hopeful that deGrom's return could bring some much-needed momentum and morale to the clubhouse.
Getting back on the mound will not only benefit the Rangers but also serve as a significant milestone for deGrom personally, as he navigates through the final stages of his recovery. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom shared, expressing his readiness to compete at the highest level once more.
While the Rangers' playoff hopes may be dim, the return of their star pitcher offers a silver lining in an otherwise challenging season. Fans and teammates alike will be closely watching deGrom's progress during his rehab assignment, eagerly anticipating his eventual return to the big leagues. With his track record of excellence, deGrom's presence on the mound will undeniably bolster the Rangers' rotation and provide an exciting storyline to watch as the season progresses.