Jacob deGrom Nearing Return to the Mound After Extended Rehabilitation
Jacob deGrom is on the verge of rejoining the Texas Rangers, marking the end of a long and arduous rehabilitation journey. The star pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023, recovering from Tommy John surgery necessitated by a torn ulnar collateral ligament. This week, deGrom is slated to begin a rehab assignment after surpassing the crucial 14-month recovery period typically allotted for such surgeries.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom reflected, highlighting the lengthy rehabilitation process he has endured. During this rehab assignment, deGrom will have the opportunity to refine his skills before stepping back onto the major league mound. MLB rules allow pitchers to go on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, giving deGrom ample time to ensure he is fully prepared for his return.
Despite the promising progress, deGrom remains grounded in his approach. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of facing live hitters and simulating real-game scenarios. If all goes according to plan, deGrom is projected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
The stakes are high for deGrom, who signed a lucrative five-year, $185 million deal with Texas prior to the 2023 season. In his brief early-season performances for the team, deGrom showcased his exceptional talent, recording a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts. His return could provide a significant boost to the Rangers’ pitching rotation, although the team’s postseason prospects are bleak. Currently holding a 56-68 record, the Rangers are more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races, making a postseason berth highly unlikely.
However, the presence of a healthy deGrom could offer the Rangers valuable momentum as they look ahead to the future. The pitcher's return will not only serve as a morale boost but also provide a key reinforcement that could pave the way for more competitive seasons to come. His skill set and veteran presence are invaluable assets that could help mentor younger players and fortify the roster.
As deGrom embarks on this final phase of his rehabilitation, the anticipation within the Rangers organization and their fanbase is palpable. The anticipation of seeing one of the league’s elite pitchers perform at his best once again is a narrative brimming with potential and hope.
For now, all eyes will be on deGrom as he takes these crucial steps towards a full recovery. His journey back to the mound, marked by grit and determination, epitomizes the resolve of an athlete dedicated to his craft. Should he succeed in reaching his pre-surgery form, the Rangers—and the entire baseball world—will be in for a treat.
After all, the return of Jacob deGrom is not just about the numbers; it is about witnessing the resilience and dedication that define a true competitor.