Jacob deGrom is on the brink of making a long-awaited return to the mound, a moment fans of the Texas Rangers have eagerly anticipated. After being sidelined since April 2023 due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, deGrom is set to begin a rehab assignment this week, marking a significant step in his journey back from Tommy John surgery.
For pitchers, the typical recovery period from Tommy John surgery spans roughly 14 months, a timeline that deGrom has now successfully cleared. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom commented. His readiness to face hitters once more comes as a relief to many, both within the organization and among the fanbase.
MLB regulations allow pitchers to embark on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, a window that provides deGrom with ample opportunity to gradually work his way back to full strength. Assuming no setbacks, the right-hander is projected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest, just in time to potentially impact the tail end of the season.
deGrom's return couldn't come at a more crucial juncture for the Rangers, who have had a tumultuous 2023 season. Holding a 56-68 record, the team finds itself trailing by more than 10 games in both the American League West and the wild-card races. With postseason aspirations dwindling, the presence of a fully fit deGrom could provide a much-needed morale boost and a foundation for future success.
Prior to the start of the 2023 season, deGrom inked a lucrative five-year deal with Texas, valued at $185 million. Expectations were high, and in his early appearances, the two-time Cy Young Award winner did not disappoint. Over just 30 innings in six starts, he amassed a stellar 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio, demonstrating why he remains one of the elite pitchers in the game.
However, the excitement was tempered when deGrom's season was abruptly halted by the need for surgery. Fast-forward 14 months, and the anticipation surrounding his return is palpable. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom noted, underscoring the importance of competitive play in his rehab process.
For the Rangers, deGrom's return extends beyond immediate on-field performance. It symbolizes resilience and the possibility of a stronger, more competitive team in the seasons ahead. While a postseason berth this year remains a long shot, the long-term investment in deGrom's talent is poised to pay dividends.
As deGrom prepares to take this pivotal step in his comeback trail, all eyes will be on his progress. His performance on the rehab assignment will be closely monitored, with the hope that he can recapture the form that made him a marquee signing for the Rangers. Should everything proceed according to plan, mid-September will not just mark deGrom's return but could also stand as a turning point for a team looking to rebuild and reassert itself in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
As the season winds down, Jacob deGrom's presence back on the mound may serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to his enduring prowess and determination. The countdown to his first pitch post-recovery is officially underway, and fans are waiting with bated breath.