Jacob deGrom's Return to the Mound Draws Near
Jacob deGrom is on the brink of making his long-awaited return to Major League Baseball. After being sidelined since April 2023, the ace is set to begin a rehab assignment this week, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey from Tommy John surgery. The surgical intervention was necessitated by a torn ulnar collateral ligament, a devastating injury for any pitcher.
Typically, the recovery timeline for Tommy John surgery is around 14 months, a threshold that deGrom has now surpassed. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom remarked, signaling his readiness to get back into competitive action. MLB rules permit pitchers to engage in rehab assignments for a maximum of 30 days, giving deGrom a window to regain his form and assess his physical condition.
In an optimal scenario, and barring any setbacks, deGrom could rejoin the Texas Rangers by mid-September. This would be a noteworthy addition for the team, even as their postseason hopes seem bleak. The Rangers have a 56-68 record and are more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and the wild-card races.
deGrom's Rehabilitation Journey
For deGrom, the road back to the mound hasn't been easy. The 35-year-old pitcher signed a lucrative five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers before the 2023 season. His early outings for the team showcased his elite skills, with deGrom posting a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts. These stats provided a glimpse of what he could offer, and his absence has undeniably been felt by the Rangers.
The rehab assignment will serve as a critical phase in deGrom's return. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," he reflected. The competitive environment of the rehab games will provide a realistic gauge of his progress and readiness to return to top-level competition.
Impact on the Rangers
Though the Rangers' postseason aspirations for this year are unlikely, deGrom's return could still have a profound impact. Beyond the immediate boost to the pitching staff, his presence could serve as a moral uplift for a team that has struggled through the season. Reintegrating a player of deGrom's caliber might also offer a preview of what the Rangers could achieve in the coming seasons with a fully healthy roster.
Looking Ahead
As deGrom moves forward with his rehab assignment, the baseball world will be watching closely. His return to full fitness not only impacts the Rangers but also has broader implications for the league. An experienced, dominant pitcher like deGrom elevates the quality of the game and adds excitement for fans. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how smoothly he can transition from rehab to making meaningful contributions on the field once again.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring he completes his rehab without any complications. Should everything proceed according to plan, mid-September could mark the triumphant return of Jacob deGrom, ready to don the Rangers’ uniform and take the mound once more.