Jacob deGrom is on the brink of a long-awaited return to Major League Baseball, having been sidelined since April 2023. The ace pitcher for the Texas Rangers is poised to embark on a rehab assignment this week, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey.
Following a torn ulnar collateral ligament, deGrom underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure that typically demands a 14-month recovery period for pitchers. Fortunately for the Rangers and their fans, deGrom has now surpassed this critical recovery threshold.
“My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?” deGrom remarked, emphasizing his eagerness to get back on the mound.
As per MLB regulations, pitchers can go on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days. This gives deGrom ample time to regain his form and ensure he is fully prepared to rejoin his teammates. If everything progresses smoothly and without setbacks, he is projected to be back with the Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
A Highly Anticipated Return
The anticipation surrounding deGrom’s return is palpable, particularly given the significant investment the Rangers made in him prior to the 2023 season. Signing a five-year contract worth $185 million, deGrom was expected to be a cornerstone of the Rangers' pitching staff. In the limited action he saw before his injury, deGrom lived up to the hype, posting a stellar 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts.
The potential impact of deGrom’s return cannot be overstated. Despite the Rangers’ current struggles—holding a 56-68 record and trailing by more than 10 games in both the American League West and wild-card races—having an elite pitcher of deGrom’s caliber could provide a much-needed morale boost and competitive edge.
Challenges Ahead for Texas
Realistically, a postseason berth remains an unlikely prospect for the Rangers this season. Their substantial deficit in the standings presents a daunting challenge. However, the return of deGrom offers more than just immediate performance benefits; it also provides a glimpse into the potential for next season and beyond.
DeGrom himself acknowledges the importance of these upcoming rehab assignments. “You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit,” he noted, highlighting the need for game-like conditions to fully test his arm's readiness.
Looking Forward
Ultimately, all eyes will be on deGrom as he takes this crucial step in his recovery. Each start, each inning pitched during his rehab assignment will be scrutinized not just by the Rangers' coaching staff but by fans and analysts alike. The resilience and tenacity deGrom has shown in his comeback effort serves as a testament to his dedication to the game and his team.
In the high-stakes world of professional baseball, the return of a player like Jacob deGrom is newsworthy on multiple fronts. While the immediate future may hold limited postseason hopes for the Rangers, the successful return of their star pitcher provides a substantial building block for the seasons to come. For now, the baseball world watches and waits, eager to see one of the game's best take the mound once more.