Jacob deGrom is on the verge of a highly anticipated return to the mound, marking a significant milestone in his career. The Texas Rangers pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. The procedure, which typically comes with a grueling 14-month recovery period for pitchers, saw deGrom crossing that crucial threshold, paving the way for his imminent comeback.
deGrom's return to action is set to commence with a rehab assignment this week, as outlined by Major League Baseball (MLB) regulations, which permit pitchers to embark on such assignments for up to 30 days. If everything goes according to plan without any setbacks, deGrom is poised to rejoin the Rangers squad by mid-September at the latest.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom shared, reflecting on the arduous recovery journey he has endured. The pitcher is eager to transition from physical therapy and training sessions to the more competitive environment of facing live batters. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit,” he added, highlighting the significance of real-game experience in his rehabilitation process.
Prior to his injury, deGrom was living up to the expectations that came with his high-profile signing to the Rangers. Ahead of the 2023 season, deGrom inked a lucrative five-year contract worth $185 million with Texas. In his initial performances for the team, deGrom boasted an impressive 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an extraordinary 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 30 innings across six starts. These early statistics demonstrated his elite pitching capabilities and justified the hefty investment made by the Rangers.
However, despite deGrom’s individual prowess, the Rangers have struggled throughout the season. With a current record of 56-68, they find themselves trailing by more than 10 games in both the American League West and wild-card races. Given this significant deficit, the prospects of a postseason berth appear bleak, making deGrom's return more about long-term planning and morale boosting than an immediate competitive edge.
The Rangers' management and fans alike will be keenly observing deGrom's rehab assignment, not only to ensure that there are no lingering issues from the surgery but also to gauge his readiness for the next season. While the current season might be slipping away, deGrom’s comeback represents hope and fortitude—a signal that brighter days might be ahead for the Rangers.
As deGrom prepares to take this crucial step in his recovery, the entire baseball community will be watching, underscoring his status as one of the sport's most formidable pitchers. His return is not just about reclaiming his spot on the mound; it symbolizes perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines professional sports.
For the Rangers, the last stretch of the season will now have an added layer of interest and excitement. While the playoffs may be out of reach, the return of a superstar pitcher like deGrom provides a narrative of resilience and optimism—a storyline that can inspire both the team and its supporters as they look ahead to the future.