Jacob deGrom is on the verge of making a highly anticipated return to the Texas Rangers' pitching rotation. The star pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023 due to Tommy John surgery, a procedure necessitated by a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Now, having cleared the critical 14-month recovery period, deGrom is set to begin a rehab assignment this week.
Tommy John surgery, a reconstructive procedure for the elbow, typically requires an extensive rehabilitation period, with teams usually expecting around 14 months for recovery. The Rangers and deGrom have cautiously navigated this timeline, ensuring that every step of the rehabilitation protocol was meticulously followed. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom commented, highlighting the lengthy recovery journey.
The rules governing Major League Baseball (MLB) allow for pitchers to engage in a rehab assignment for up to 30 days. This period is crucial for players to regain their form and competitive edge before rejoining their teams. For deGrom, this stint will be an opportunity to face live batters and shake off any rust accumulated during the months-long hiatus. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom added.
If all goes according to plan and deGrom faces no setbacks during his rehab, he is projected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest. His return could provide a significant boost to the team's morale, although the prospects for a playoff berth remain slim. The Rangers currently hold a 56-68 record, placing them more than 10 games behind in both the American League West division and the wild-card races. This substantial gap makes a postseason appearance highly unlikely for the team this year.
DeGrom's presence on the mound is eagerly awaited, not just by fans but by the Rangers' organization, which made a significant investment in him prior to the 2023 season. The five-year deal worth $185 million underscores the team's belief in deGrom's abilities and potential to be a cornerstone of their pitching staff. In the limited opportunities he's had since signing, deGrom has shown flashes of his brilliance. Over just 30 innings pitched across six starts, he posted a 2.67 ERA and a remarkable 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
As deGrom prepares for his rehab assignment, both he and the Rangers are hopeful that this phase will proceed smoothly and set the stage for his reintegration into the active roster. For deGrom, the journey back to the mound has been arduous, marked by physical challenges and the mental strain of being away from the game he loves. His return will be a testament to his resilience and determination, qualities that have defined his illustrious career thus far.
In a season where the playoff hopes have dimmed, deGrom's return could provide a silver lining for the Rangers, offering a glimpse of what could be a formidable pitching lineup in the future. As mid-September approaches, all eyes will be on deGrom, not just to see if he can reclaim his dominant form, but also to witness the culmination of a rigorous and taxing rehabilitation process.