Jacob deGrom is on the verge of making his much-anticipated return to the mound. The star pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023 due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which required Tommy John surgery. This week, he is slated to begin a crucial rehab assignment, a significant step in his long and arduous recovery journey.
Tommy John surgery is one of the most daunting procedures for a pitcher, often requiring a recovery period of up to 14 months. deGrom has now successfully passed this critical 14-month rehabilitation threshold, a milestone that marks his progress and potential readiness to rejoin the Texas Rangers.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom remarked, illustrating both his readiness and the lengthy ordeal he has endured.
MLB rules permit pitchers to go on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, providing deGrom with ample time to regain his form and assess his readiness against live competition. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom noted, expressing his eagerness to get back into the competitive flow.
If everything proceeds smoothly and without setbacks, deGrom is projected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest. This timeline not only aligns with his personal targets but also presents a glimmer of hope for a team fighting its own battles this season.
The Rangers, who signed deGrom to a lucrative five-year deal worth $185 million before the 2023 season, have experienced a turbulent year. Despite the investment in deGrom and his stellar early performances—posting a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 30 innings—his absence has been deeply felt. In his six starts, deGrom demonstrated why he is one of the most formidable pitchers in the game, amplifying the anticipation for his return.
Currently, the Rangers sport a 56-68 record, trailing more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and the wild-card races. The prospect of securing a postseason berth seems increasingly unlikely, casting a shadow over a season that started with high hopes.
The return of deGrom might not be enough to propel the Rangers into the playoff picture this year, but it does inject a level of excitement and anticipation for the future. His presence on the mound could serve as a much-needed morale boost for a team that has struggled to find its footing.
In the broader context of the sport, deGrom's recovery and return to form will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Known for his dominance and precision, his ability to bounce back from such a significant surgery could set a precedent for other pitchers facing similar challenges.
All eyes will be on deGrom as he embarks on this critical phase of his rehab assignment. The path to full recovery is rarely a straight line, but if there's one pitcher who can defy the odds, it's Jacob deGrom. His journey back to the mound is not just a testament to his physical resilience but also a beacon of hope for the Texas Rangers and their fans.