Jacob deGrom is on the verge of making his long-awaited return to the mound, marking a significant milestone in his journey back from injury. The star pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023 due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, necessitating Tommy John surgery. Now, after more than a year of painstaking rehabilitation, deGrom is set to begin a rehab assignment this week.
The road to recovery from Tommy John surgery is notoriously arduous, typically requiring about 14 months for pitchers to regain their form. DeGrom has now crossed that crucial threshold, expressing optimism about his progress. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" he remarked, highlighting the long and challenging journey he has endured.
Major League Baseball rules allow pitchers to participate in rehab assignments for up to 30 days. During this time, deGrom will have the opportunity to face live hitters, gradually building up his arm strength and pitching stamina. The hope is that deGrom will encounter no setbacks, paving the way for him to rejoin the Texas Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
DeGrom's Early Impact
Prior to his injury-plagued season, deGrom made a significant impact in the few outings he managed for the Rangers. Through just 30 innings across six starts, he posted an impressive 2.67 ERA, boasting an extraordinary 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. These performances underscored why the Rangers committed to a lucrative five-year, $185 million deal with deGrom before the 2023 season. His presence provided a glimpse of the potential dominance he could bring to the team's pitching staff.
The State of the Rangers
Unfortunately for the Rangers, the 2023 season has not gone as planned. With a current record of 56-68, the team finds itself more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and the wild-card races. As a result, a postseason berth appears highly unlikely. This disappointing standing has cast a shadow over the team's aspirations, but deGrom's return could provide a much-needed boost in morale and performance.
In deGrom's own words, there is a clear excitement about getting back on the field and contributing to his team. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," he shared, indicating his readiness to reengage with the competitive atmosphere of professional baseball.
Looking Forward
As deGrom embarks on his rehab assignment, all eyes will be on his progress. The Rangers and their fans will be eager to see if their ace can recapture the form that made him one of the most feared pitchers in the league. His successful return would not only be a personal triumph but could also serve as a cornerstone for the Rangers' future rebuilding efforts.
For deGrom, the journey back to the mound is not just about physical recovery but also regaining the rhythm and confidence that come with regular game action. His upcoming stints in rehab games will be crucial in assessing his readiness to return to Major League competition. If all goes well, his presence could significantly enhance the Rangers' pitching rotation, providing a much-needed spark as they look to finish the season on a positive note.
In sum, deGrom's imminent return marks a pivotal moment in both his career and the Rangers' season. While the team's playoff hopes may be dim, the return of their star pitcher offers a glimmer of hope and a reason for fans to stay engaged. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how deGrom's return will impact the remainder of the season and set the stage for the future.