Jacob deGrom is on the verge of making a significant return to the mound after being sidelined since April 2023. The ace pitcher for the Texas Rangers has persevered through a grueling recovery process following Tommy John surgery, a procedure necessitated by a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Having now passed the critical 14-month recovery threshold typically allotted for pitchers undergoing this surgery, deGrom's comeback journey is entering its final phase. This week, he begins a rehab assignment, a necessary step toward reclaiming his spot in the Rangers' rotation. Major League Baseball rules allow a pitcher to go on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, providing deGrom ample time to regain his form without rushing the process.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom remarked, emphasizing his readiness to return after the extended layoff.
Jacob deGrom's Journey Back
Jacob deGrom, who signed a lucrative five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers before the 2023 season, was off to a promising start with his new team. Despite only pitching 30 innings over six starts, he posted remarkable numbers, including a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
However, his season was abruptly interrupted due to the injury, raising concerns about his future contributions to the team. Tommy John surgery, while effective, demands a lengthy recovery period, usually around 14 months. Now, with this critical timeframe behind him, deGrom's potential return is a beacon of hope for the Rangers.
Rehab Assignment and Expectations
As deGrom begins his rehab assignment, the primary goals will be to build up his pitch count, ensure his mechanics are sound, and verify that there are no lingering issues with his repaired elbow. If all goes according to plan, deGrom is projected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
The timelines align with the MLB rules, which stipulate that pitchers can engage in up to 30 days of rehab assignments. This period will be crucial for deGrom to transition from simulated games and controlled environments to facing live hitters in competitive scenarios.
"You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom noted, expressing the importance of facing real opponents to gauge his progress accurately.
Rangers' Season Context
The Rangers, currently holding a 56-68 record, find themselves more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and the wild-card races. A postseason berth appears to be a long shot at this juncture. These circumstances potentially afford deGrom and the Rangers a bit more flexibility in handling his return. The primary focus will be ensuring his complete health and readiness for future seasons rather than rushing him back in a desperate bid for a playoff spot.
Despite the team's struggles, deGrom's return would provide a significant morale boost and an opportunity for him to lay a solid foundation leading into the next season. His early performances demonstrated the value he brings when healthy, and the long-term investment the Rangers have made in him underscores his critical role in the team's future plans.
While the journey back from Tommy John surgery is fraught with challenges, deGrom's determination and the rigorous rehab process instill confidence in a successful return. His performances on the mound will be closely watched, not just by Rangers fans, but by the broader MLB community, eager to see one of the game's elite pitchers back in action.
The Rangers and their fanbase will undoubtedly be holding their breath, hoping that this is the start of a triumphant return for Jacob deGrom. His progress over the next few weeks will provide a clearer picture of what lies ahead, but for now, the anticipation of his return is a welcome development in a challenging season.