Jacob deGrom Nears Return to the Mound After Extended Absence
After a prolonged hiatus from Major League Baseball, Jacob deGrom is on the brink of making his highly anticipated return to the pitching mound. The Texas Rangers' ace has been sidelined since April 2023, recovering from Tommy John surgery due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).
Rehab Assignment to Begin
deGrom is slated to begin a rehab assignment this week, marking a critical step in his journey back to big-league action. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom remarked, reflecting on his extended recovery period. This timeline aligns with the typical 14-month recovery window allotted for pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery.
MLB protocols allow pitchers to participate in rehab assignments for up to 30 days. This rule provides a structured timeline for deGrom to regain his form and seamlessly transition back to the majors. Should everything proceed without complications, deGrom is projected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
A Season of High Expectations
When deGrom signed a five-year deal worth $185 million with Texas prior to the 2023 season, the expectations were sky-high. In his brief stint before the injury, deGrom demonstrated why he remains one of the most formidable pitchers in the game. Over just 30 innings in six starts, he boasted an impressive 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an extraordinary 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
“You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom noted, underscoring the importance of competing and regaining his feel for pitching in the live-game environment.
The Rangers' Current Struggles
While deGrom has been on the mend, the Rangers have struggled to find their footing this season. With a current record of 56-68, the team trails by more than 10 games in both the American League West and the wild-card races. This substantial gap has rendered a postseason berth highly unlikely, adding a bittersweet context to deGrom's impending return.
Despite the team's overall challenges, deGrom's return is eagerly anticipated as it offers a glimmer of hope and excitement for Rangers' fans. His presence on the mound is expected to bring a much-needed boost, both in terms of performance and morale.
Looking Ahead
deGrom’s journey back has been a testament to his resilience and dedication. As he prepares to step onto the mound for his rehab assignment, the baseball world will be watching closely. If deGrom can successfully navigate this final phase of his recovery and return to his dominant form, it will not only mark a personal triumph but also provide a significant boost to the Texas Rangers as they look ahead to future seasons.
For now, deGrom remains focused on the immediate task at hand—getting back to facing live hitters and re-establishing his rhythm. His return could set the stage for an encouraging finish to the season, offering a reason for optimism amid a challenging campaign for the Rangers.