Jacob deGrom, one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball, is on the verge of a long-awaited return to the mound. The Texas Rangers ace has been sidelined since April 2023 due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, necessitating Tommy John surgery. Now, after 14 months of rigorous recovery, deGrom is prepared to begin a rehab assignment this week.
The journey back from Tommy John surgery is a challenging one. Teams typically allocate around 14 months for pitchers to fully recover, and deGrom has recently surpassed this crucial recovery milestone. Reflecting on his progress, deGrom remarked, "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?"
During the rehab assignment, as per MLB regulations, deGrom will have up to 30 days to get back into competitive shape. If all goes according to plan and he experiences no setbacks, the Rangers expect him to rejoin the rotation by mid-September at the latest. Given the time lost and the gap to rebuild his in-game stamina, this timeline reflects a cautious but optimistic approach.
A Highly Anticipated Return
Prior to his injury, deGrom was living up to the high expectations that came with his lucrative five-year, $185 million contract signed with Texas before the 2023 season. Over six starts, he demonstrated his elite form, posting a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an outstanding 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings. His formidable presence on the mound was a bright spot for the Rangers during a challenging season.
Reflecting on his impending return, deGrom expressed eagerness to face live batters again. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," he said, underscoring the psychological and competitive dimensions of his recovery process.
Rangers’ Struggles Amidst deGrom’s Absence
The Rangers have certainly felt deGrom’s absence. Currently, they hold a 56-68 record and find themselves more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races. A postseason berth this year appears highly unlikely. Without deGrom anchoring their rotation, the team has struggled to find consistent pitching performances to propel them into contention.
Despite the team’s struggles, deGrom's return is seen as a beacon of hope and a critical building block for the team's future. The franchise looks to utilize the remaining weeks of the season to integrate deGrom back into the fold, setting a foundation for a strong showing in the upcoming seasons. His return could also serve as a morale booster for the clubhouse and the fan base, both of which have endured a tough year.
Looking Ahead
As deGrom embarks on his rehab assignment, the baseball world will watch closely. If he can replicate even a fraction of his prior dominance upon return, it bodes well for the Rangers' future. The team’s management and coaching staff will undoubtedly place a premium on ensuring he remains healthy, especially given their significant financial commitment.
Jacob deGrom's return promises to be one of the most anticipated storylines as the MLB season progresses into its final stretch. For now, all eyes are on his rehab starts, where fans and analysts alike will look for flashes of the brilliance that earned him his massive contract and the universal acclaim of being one of the best pitchers in baseball.