Jacob deGrom, the star pitcher of the Texas Rangers, is on the verge of making a highly anticipated return to the mound. The ace has been sidelined since April 2023 following Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Now, having surpassed the critical 14-month recovery threshold, deGrom is set to begin a rehab assignment this week, potentially rejoining the Rangers by mid-September if all goes well.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom said, reflecting on the long and arduous road to recovery. The journey has indeed been a lengthy and challenging one, but it appears the hard work is about to pay off for the two-time Cy Young Award winner and his team.
Teams typically allocate about 14 months for pitchers to recover fully from Tommy John surgery, a procedure that has become all too familiar in the world of professional baseball. MLB rules also allow pitchers to go on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, giving deGrom a window to fine-tune his mechanics and regain his rhythm before potentially re-entering the roster.
Prior to his injury, deGrom demonstrated why he remains one of the most formidable pitchers in the league. Despite a limited sample size of just 30 innings over six starts, the veteran right-hander posted a stellar 2.67 ERA with a 161 ERA+ and an eye-popping 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. These numbers were a testament to his elite skills and the significant impact he made in the brief time he was active for Texas.
deGrom's return is highly anticipated not just because of his prowess on the mound, but also due to the significant investment the Rangers made in him prior to the 2023 season. The pitcher inked a lucrative five-year deal worth $185 million, making the stakes even higher for his successful comeback.
The timing of deGrom's return, however, brings with it a mix of excitement and reality. The Rangers currently hold a 56-68 record, trailing by more than 10 games in both the American League West and the wild-card races. With a postseason berth highly unlikely, deGrom's focus will likely be on re-establishing his dominance and setting the foundation for a healthier 2024 season.
While the team's chances of making the playoffs are slim, deGrom remains optimistic about contributing positively in whatever capacity he can once he's back with his teammates. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom noted, highlighting the mental and emotional aspects of facing live batters again during his rehab stint.
The prospect of seeing deGrom in action again is exciting not just for Rangers fans, but for baseball enthusiasts across the league. His return would not only bolster Texas' pitching rotation but also provide a boost to the team's morale. Even in a season where playoff hopes are dim, the return of a player of deGrom's caliber can serve as a crucial building block for future success.
In overcoming the monumental challenges associated with Tommy John surgery, deGrom's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and resilience required at the highest levels of sports. As he prepares to embark on his rehab assignment, the baseball world will be watching closely, hopeful for his successful reintegration into the game.
As the mid-September target approaches, all eyes will be on Jacob deGrom. Will he return to the form that has made him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: his comeback is one of the most compelling storylines in an otherwise challenging season for the Texas Rangers.