Jacob deGrom is on the verge of making his long-awaited return to the mound, following a lengthy rehabilitation period. The star pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023 due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament that required Tommy John surgery. After 14 months of meticulous recovery, deGrom is slated to begin a rehab assignment this week.
Tommy John surgery, a formidable hurdle in any pitcher's career, generally necessitates about 14 months of recovery. Now having surpassed this critical threshold, deGrom is in a prime position to rejoin the Texas Rangers roster, barring any unforeseen setbacks. According to MLB rules, pitchers can embark on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, which projects deGrom's return to the team by mid-September at the latest.
Reflecting on his recovery, deGrom expressed optimism about his current condition. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" he remarked. The upcoming rehab assignment will be crucial for the pitcher to regain his rhythm and confidence. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom added.
Prior to his injury, deGrom signed a lucrative five-year deal with the Rangers worth $185 million, bringing high expectations to the Texas franchise. Despite an abbreviated showing in the 2023 season, deGrom demonstrated his elite skills by posting a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts.
The Rangers, currently holding a 56-68 record, face significant challenges in the standings. They are more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races, making a postseason berth highly unlikely this year. The return of a game-changing pitcher like deGrom could provide a morale boost for the team, even if playoff contention remains out of reach.
Despite the daunting road ahead for the Rangers, the anticipation surrounding deGrom's return adds a layer of intrigue to their remaining games. His presence on the mound could serve as a beacon of hope for a franchise eager to see their high-caliber investment deliver on the promise that led them to secure his talents. Moreover, deGrom's comeback will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as the two-time Cy Young Award winner aims to re-establish himself as one of the premier pitchers in the league.
The coming weeks will be critical as deGrom tests his limits and works to make a seamless transition back to major league action. His successful reintegration into the Rangers' rotation could set the stage for a stronger collective performance next season, underscoring the long-term vision behind his high-profile signing.
Ultimately, while the 2023 season may be slipping away for the Rangers, Jacob deGrom's impending return offers a glimmer of positivity and a reason for the fans to stay engaged. His journey through rehab, coupled with his previous impressive stats in limited play, suggest that he's more than ready to make a significant impact as he steps back onto the mound.