Jacob deGrom Poised for Return Following Lengthy Rehab
Jacob deGrom is on the verge of a highly anticipated return to the mound. The Texas Rangers' star pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023 due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, an injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery. After completing the crucial 14-month recovery period typical for this procedure, deGrom is now ready to begin a rehab assignment this week.
The 35-year-old pitcher expressed optimism about his progress. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom said, adding, "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit."
While the specific timing of his full return remains uncertain, MLB regulations provide a 30-day window for pitchers on rehab assignments. Barring any setbacks, deGrom could potentially rejoin the Rangers by mid-September, injecting a dose of elite talent back into the team's rotation.
Early Promise and High Hopes Dashed by Injury
Before his injury, deGrom had shown flashes of brilliance with his new team. In December 2022, he inked a five-year, $185 million deal with the Rangers, leaving fans and analysts alike with high expectations. In his early outings for the team, deGrom posted a stellar 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. These stats, although compiled over just 30 innings in six starts, hinted at the potential impact he could have had on the Rangers' season.
Unfortunately, deGrom's injury derailed those plans, both for him and for a Rangers team struggling to stay competitive. As of now, the Rangers hold a 56-68 record, making a postseason berth highly unlikely. They are more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and the wild-card races.
The Road to Recovery
Tommy John surgery, named after the first pitcher to undergo the procedure in 1974, typically requires a lengthy and arduous recovery period. For pitchers, this rehabilitation often lasts around 14 months, a milestone that deGrom has just surpassed. This intensive recovery involves not just physical healing, but also regaining the muscle memory and fine-tuning required for elite-level pitching.
Throughout his rehab, deGrom has remained focused and determined. His return is not just about physical readiness; it also involves mental preparation and reintegration into the intensely competitive atmosphere of Major League Baseball.
A Cautious Yet Optimistic Approach
The Rangers organization is undoubtedly aware of the risks associated with rushing a celebrated pitcher like deGrom back into action. Hence, they will likely proceed with caution, monitoring his progress closely during the rehab assignment. DeGrom’s successful return could serve as a beacon of hope for the team's future seasons, even if the current season appears written off.
Looking ahead, both deGrom and the Rangers are hopeful that this rehab assignment will go smoothly, allowing him to make a meaningful contribution before the season ends. His return will not only boost team morale but also give fans a glimpse of what the next few years might hold.
As deGrom prepares for this next step, the baseball world watches with bated breath. Getting back on the mound and facing live hitters once again will be a crucial indicator of how well his arm has healed and how ready he is to compete at the highest level once more.
Indeed, the Rangers' fans and team alike are eagerly awaiting the pitcher's return, hoping that deGrom’s resilience and talent can make a substantial impact, both now and in the not-too-distant future.