Jacob deGrom is poised to make a significant comeback to the baseball diamond, signaling a near end to his long hiatus from the mound. Sidelined since April 2023, the star pitcher is set to begin a rehab assignment this week, a critical step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which addressed a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Teams generally account for about 14 months for pitchers to fully recover from the intricate procedure, and deGrom has successfully passed this crucial recovery threshold. Now, he is ready to take the next big step toward resuming his influential role with the Texas Rangers.
“My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?” said deGrom, reflecting on the lengthy recovery period. The journey back is often grueling, but the 35-year-old appears optimistic as he prepares to face live batters once again. “You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit,” he added, signaling his eagerness to return to competitive play.
Under MLB rules, pitchers are allowed up to 30 days for rehab assignments, providing deGrom with a precise window to gradually rebuild his pitching stamina and refine his mechanics. If all goes according to plan, without any further setbacks, he is projected to rejoin the Rangers’ roster by mid-September at the latest.
Signed to the Texas Rangers on a lucrative five-year, $185 million deal prior to the 2023 season, deGrom made a striking impression in his early outings for the team. Over just 30 innings spanning six starts, he posted an impressive 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and a commanding 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio, affirming his elite status among MLB pitchers.
The Rangers, however, have struggled significantly in deGrom’s absence. As of now, they hold a 56-68 record, positioning them more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races. With the postseason slipping further out of reach, deGrom's return, while highly anticipated, is unlikely to alter their playoff prospects dramatically.
Nonetheless, deGrom’s comeback is a major morale boost for the Rangers and sets a positive tone for the future. His presence on the mound not only enhances the team’s pitching rotation but also serves as a pillar of support for his teammates and the franchise’s long-term aspirations.
The road to recovery from Tommy John surgery is often fraught with uncertainty and challenges. Yet, deGrom's return signifies a triumph over the rigorous demands of rehabilitation. It also exemplifies his unwavering dedication and resilience, characteristics that have cemented his reputation as one of the game's top talents.
As he gears up for his rehab assignment, all eyes will be on deGrom, not just from Rangers' fans but from baseball aficionados who respect the tenacity required to return from such a significant setback. His performance over the next few weeks will be scrutinized, but given his track record, there's every reason to be cautiously optimistic.
For the Rangers, while hopes of a postseason berth may be dimming, the imminent return of their ace is a beacon of hope. It’s a reminder that despite a challenging season, they have a key asset capable of making a significant impact on the mound, both now and in the seasons to come.