Jacob deGrom, the ace pitcher known for his extraordinary performances, is poised to return to the mound. After being sidelined since April 2023, deGrom is slated to commence a rehab assignment this week, a crucial step in his comeback journey following Tommy John surgery.
DeGrom, who underwent surgery due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, has now cleared the critical 14-month recovery threshold, a period generally considered essential for pitchers to recuperate fully from such a procedure. MLB rules permit pitchers to go on rehab assignments for up to 30 days, providing deGrom ample time to regain his form and stamina with an eye on rejoining the Texas Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
Prior to his injury, deGrom had been performing at an elite level. Signed to a five-year, $185 million contract with Texas before the 2023 season, he posted a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts. These statistics suggest that if deGrom returns to full strength, he will again be a formidable force on the mound.
Despite deGrom’s potential return, the Rangers face an uphill battle. Currently with a 56-68 record, they trail more than 10 games in both the American League West and the wild-card races. The likelihood of securing a postseason berth appears slim, but deGrom's presence could still inject some much-needed optimism and momentum into the team's spirit as they play out the season.
Reflecting on his recovery process, deGrom shared, "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" This acknowledgment underscores the long and often arduous path back to pitching at the highest level. His upcoming rehab assignments are intended to simulate the competitive environment he will face upon his return, allowing him to shake off any rust and fine-tune his delivery. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom added, expressing his eagerness to test his recovery under game conditions.
The Rangers' decision to sign deGrom was a notable commitment to bolstering their pitching staff. His early performances validated their investment, but the team has had to navigate the season largely without their prized pitcher. Adding to the challenge, the team’s overall performance has not met expectations, creating a scenario where deGrom’s return, while significant, may come too late to impact the standings meaningfully.
Nevertheless, deGrom’s return holds value beyond the immediate win-loss record. It serves as a sign of resilience and hope for both the player and the organization. As he steps back onto the diamond, eyes will undoubtedly be on his every pitch, analyzing his velocity, precision, and endurance. His journey back to the rotation offers a glimpse into the relentless dedication and discipline required to overcome such significant setbacks in professional sports.
As the Texas Rangers gear up for the final stretch of the season, the return of Jacob deGrom is a story to watch. His recovery is a testament to his hard work and determination, and while the Rangers’ playoff dreams may be fading, the reappearance of their star pitcher provides a ray of light in an otherwise challenging season.