Jacob deGrom is on the cusp of making his long-awaited return to the mound, poised to begin a rehab assignment this week. The ace pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. This week marks a significant milestone as deGrom has now cleared the crucial 14-month recovery period typically allocated for pitchers following such a procedure.
DeGrom's Anticipated Return
The Texas Rangers, who inked deGrom to a five-year, $185 million deal prior to the 2023 season, are hopeful that their investment will soon pay dividends. Despite deGrom's brief stint on the mound earlier in the season, where he posted an impressive 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts, his absence has been keenly felt. Now, the ace pitcher is slated to begin his 30-day rehab assignment, a period sanctioned by MLB rules to gauge the readiness of injured pitchers for a return to competitive play.
Rehabilitation and Readiness
Expressing optimism about his recovery, deGrom noted, "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" His excitement to rejoin active play is palpable. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom added, emphasizing the importance of the rehab assignment in regaining his competitive edge.
Texas Rangers' Season Overview
As deGrom prepares for his return, the Texas Rangers find themselves in a challenging position. With a current record of 56-68, the team is over 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races, making a postseason berth highly improbable. The Rangers' struggle this season only heightens the anticipation for deGrom's return, as the team hopes to at least finish the season on a stronger note.
Mid-September Projection
Assuming there are no setbacks during his rehab assignment, deGrom is projected to rejoin the Rangers' roster by mid-September at the latest. This timeline offers a glimmer of hope for the team's remaining season. Having a pitcher of deGrom's caliber back in the rotation can serve as both a morale booster and a potential difference-maker in close games down the stretch.
The Rangers have undoubtedly missed deGrom's presence on the mound. In his early performances for the team, his commanding presence and effectiveness provided a sense of stability and dominance that the team has struggled to replicate in his absence. Despite the uphill battle to reach the postseason, deGrom's return could provide valuable innings and serve as a stepping stone towards a more promising 2024 season.
For now, all eyes will be on deGrom as he embarks on his rehab assignment. His progress will be closely monitored, not just by the Rangers’ faithful but by baseball fans who recognize the talent and impact of one of the game's premier pitchers. As deGrom marches towards full recovery, the excitement surrounding his return continues to build, promising a noteworthy chapter in an otherwise challenging season for the Rangers.