Jacob deGrom, a key pitching asset for the Texas Rangers, is on the verge of making his much-anticipated return to the mound. deGrom has been sidelined since April 2023 following Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. His rehabilitation has been a long and rigorous journey, but it seems that the ace pitcher is finally nearing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Having crossed the critical 14-month recovery threshold typically allotted for pitchers following Tommy John surgery, deGrom is set to begin a rehab assignment this week. According to MLB rules, pitchers can be on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days. If deGrom’s progress continues without any setbacks, he is expected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom remarked, reflecting on the arduous rehabilitation process. The four-time All-Star is clearly primed to get back into the rhythm of facing live hitters, stating, "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit."
deGrom's return could provide a much-needed boost for the Rangers, who currently hold a 56-68 record. The team is more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races, making a postseason berth highly unlikely. Nevertheless, getting their star pitcher back on the field could help build momentum for the future and set the tone for next season.
Prior to his injury, deGrom was living up to the high expectations placed upon him after signing a five-year deal with Texas worth $185 million before the 2023 season. In his early performances for the team, he posted a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts. These numbers underscore his value to the Rangers and highlight what the team has been missing during his absence.
The return of a player of deGrom’s caliber is always significant. Fans and teammates alike are looking forward to seeing him back on the mound, where he can once again demonstrate why he’s considered one of the best pitchers in the game. His potential impact, even in a short window toward the end of a challenging season, cannot be overstated. It is not just about the games he will pitch, but the morale and competitive spirit he brings to the clubhouse.
As deGrom prepares to make his comeback, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. While the team’s current standings might dim the immediate postseason prospects, the focus now shifts to seeing deGrom execute his pitches and contribute on the field. This period will also act as a crucial ramp-up for deGrom, helping him regain his form and confidence heading into the next season.
In a sport where injuries and recoveries can dramatically alter a team's trajectory, Jacob deGrom’s impending return is a reminder of the enduring hope and resilience in baseball. The Rangers, despite facing a tough season, have a silver lining in seeing their ace ready to reclaim his spot at the top. For now, all eyes will be on his rehab outings, each pitch bringing him one step closer to where he belongs—on the pitcher’s mound, leading his team with the same dominance and skill he has always exhibited.