Jacob deGrom is on the brink of making a highly anticipated return to the mound, marking a significant milestone for both the ace pitcher and the Texas Rangers. Out of action since April 2023 due to Tommy John surgery resulting from a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), deGrom is slated to begin his rehab assignment this week.
Typically, pitchers require about 14 months to recover from Tommy John surgery, a threshold that deGrom has now safely crossed. MLB rules permit pitchers to go on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, offering deGrom a significant window to regain his form and condition. Barring any setbacks, it’s projected that deGrom will rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
Reflecting on the passage of time and his progress, deGrom shared, "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" His sentiment underscores both the lengthy recovery period and the relief of nearing the end of his rehabilitation journey.
deGrom's Early Contributions Cut Short
Before his hiatus, deGrom signed a five-year deal with the Rangers worth a staggering $185 million, reflecting both his elite talent and the high expectations placed on him. In his few early appearances with the team, deGrom demonstrated why he's worth every penny, recording a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts. His performances, although limited, provided a glimpse of his potential to elevate the Rangers' pitching staff.
The Rangers' Struggles Without deGrom
Since deGrom's departure, the Rangers have faced an uphill battle. Currently standing with a 56-68 record, the team finds itself more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and the wild-card races. The absence of their star pitcher has undoubtedly played a role in their challenges, rendering a postseason berth highly unlikely.
Despite the grim outlook for the remainder of the season, there is palpable excitement within the team and the fanbase for deGrom's return. His potential impact, even in a few games, could provide a morale boost and set a positive tone for the future.
The Road to Recovery
As deGrom prepares to take the mound again, the focus is on his physical readiness and mental fortitude. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom commented, highlighting the importance of competitive play and camaraderie in his rehab process. The next 30 days will be crucial in determining how quickly he can return to peak performance, but the signs are promising.
His impending return marks the end of a significant chapter in deGrom's career and the beginning of another. Having cleared the key 14-month recovery threshold, he stands ready to reclaim his place as one of baseball's most dominant pitchers.
The hope within the Rangers organization and among its supporters is that deGrom's return will not only salvage some delight in the waning days of the season but also set the stage for a stronger, more competitive campaign next year. As he nears his return to the pitcher’s mound, all eyes will be on Jacob deGrom, the ace who has battled through injury and is poised to make his triumphant comeback.