Jacob deGrom is on the verge of a significant milestone in his storied career. The ace right-hander is poised to return to the mound after an extended layoff since April 2023. deGrom, who has been a cornerstone of the Texas Rangers' pitching staff since signing a five-year, $185 million deal prior to the 2023 season, is set to begin a rehab assignment this week. His return could be a significant morale boost for the struggling Rangers.
A Journey of Recovery
The path to deGrom's comeback has been arduous. He has been sidelined due to Tommy John surgery for a torn ulnar collateral ligament. This procedure, infamous in baseball circles, typically necessitates a recovery period of around 14 months. Fortunately for deGrom and the Rangers, he has now cleared this critical threshold, signaling that his complete recovery is imminent.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom commented, reflecting on the duration of his recovery.
Rehab Assignment Kickoff
The next step in deGrom's journey back to the majors is his upcoming rehab assignment. According to Major League Baseball rules, pitchers can participate in rehab assignments for up to 30 days. This period allows them to ease back into competitive play under controlled conditions. For deGrom, this assignment is crucial not only for his physical readiness but also to regain his competitive edge.
"You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom noted, emphasizing the importance of facing live batters in real game situations.
Impressive Early Season Form
Before his injury, deGrom was nothing short of spectacular for the Rangers. Over just 30 innings in six starts, he posted a stellar 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. These numbers are a testament to his dominance on the mound and why the Rangers invested so heavily in him.
The Rangers' Struggles
Despite deGrom's early contributions, the Texas Rangers have faced a challenging season. They currently hold a 56-68 record, languishing more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races. Given their standing, a postseason berth appears to be a distant dream for the team.
Looking Forward
However, the return of deGrom, even in a season that may not culminate in playoff glory, offers a silver lining. His presence on the mound can energize a team that has seen its fair share of hardships this season. If everything proceeds without setbacks, deGrom is projected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest. This timeline would allow him to get several starts under his belt before the season concludes.
As the Rangers navigate the final stretch of their season, the return of one of the game's premier pitchers will undoubtedly be a focal point. Fans and teammates alike will be eager to see deGrom take the mound once more, reminding everyone of his prowess and resilience.