Jacob deGrom is on the cusp of making his return to the mound.
After being sidelined since April 2023, deGrom is slated to begin a rehab assignment this week, marking a significant step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament. This surgery, often seen as a career setback, typically requires an arduous 14-month recovery period. Fortunately, deGrom has now passed this crucial milestone.
“My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?” remarked deGrom, reflecting his readiness to return to action. MLB rules permit pitchers to embark on rehab assignments for up to 30 days, giving deGrom a window to regain his competitive edge and rejoin the Texas Rangers, ideally, by mid-September.
Prior to his injury, deGrom signed a lucrative five-year deal with Texas worth $185 million. Despite his limited outings, his early-season performance for the Rangers was impressive. In the mere 30 innings deGrom pitched across six starts, he compiled a stellar 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and boasted an 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio, underscoring his elite ability to dominate on the mound.
The Rangers, however, now stand at a 56-68 record, trailing significantly in both the American League West and wild-card races. With the postseason looking increasingly out of reach, deGrom’s return could be less about salvaging this season’s standings and more about building momentum and establishing rhythm for the future.
DeGrom himself is eager to return to the competitive atmosphere, noting, “You’ve got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit.” This statement underscores his desire to return to the fold and compete at the highest level, aligning with his teammates and contributing to the team’s performance in any capacity possible.
The anticipation of deGrom’s return has been palpable, both for the team and its fan base. His presence on the mound can serve as a psychological boost, showcasing the club’s commitment to fighting regardless of the standings. Additionally, a healthy deGrom will be a key asset as the Rangers prepare for future campaigns, offering them a cornerstone on which to build a more competitive squad.
Should deGrom's rehab assignment progress smoothly, his return could provide a glimpse of what fans and the Rangers management had envisioned when he was signed: a premier pitcher capable of transforming the dynamics of the game and leading the team to new heights.
While postseason ambitions may be on hold for now, Jacob deGrom’s return to the mound remains a beacon of hope. It’s a testament to determination, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence inherent in professional sports.