Jacob deGrom is on the brink of stepping back onto the mound, marking a notable milestone in his recovery journey. The star pitcher for the Texas Rangers has been sidelined since April 2023 due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, an injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery.
After a grueling 14-month rehabilitation period, deGrom has now cleared the critical recovery threshold commonly observed by teams for pitchers undergoing Tommy John surgery.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner is slated to begin a rehab assignment this week, a significant step in his comeback. Under MLB rules, pitchers can undertake a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, providing a window of opportunity for deGrom to gradually reintegrate into competitive play.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom remarked, illustrating both his eagerness and the lengthy ordeal he has endured. He added, "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit."
If deGrom encounters no setbacks during his rehab assignment, he is projected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September, setting the stage for a return to Major League action.
deGrom's early performances for the Rangers in the 2023 season were impressive, albeit limited. Over just 30 innings in six starts, he posted a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an exceptional 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio, demonstrating the elite form that has characterized his career.
Prior to the 2023 season, deGrom secured a lucrative five-year deal with Texas worth $185 million, underscoring the team's high expectations for his contributions. However, the Rangers have struggled this season, holding a 56-68 record and trailing by more than 10 games in both the American League West and the wild-card races, making a postseason berth highly unlikely.
With the team's chances of postseason contention dim, deGrom's return is viewed as a critical development for morale and long-term planning rather than an immediate push for the playoffs. His return to the mound will be watched closely, providing a glimpse of what Rangers fans and the organization can look forward to in the seasons ahead.
As deGrom prepares for his rehab assignment, his progress will be monitored with great anticipation. The transition back to facing live hitters will test his recovery and resilience, essential steps towards reestablishing himself as one of baseball's premier pitchers.
While the path to this point has been arduous, deGrom's impending return offers a beacon of hope for the Rangers. As he makes his way back onto the field, deGrom's journey serves as a testament to the dedication, effort, and endurance required to overcome such a significant injury.