Jacob deGrom is on the brink of making a much-anticipated return to the mound. The star pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament, but he's now cleared the crucial 14-month recovery threshold prescribed for such injuries. This milestone is the green light deGrom needed to begin a rehab assignment this week.
The Texas Rangers and their fans have been eagerly awaiting this moment, and deGrom himself is keen to get back into competitive action. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom said, capturing the mix of relief and readiness that comes with returning from such a significant layoff.
While the logistical steps for a return are clear, the emotional journey of pitching again cannot be understated. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom remarked, hinting at the camaraderie and competitive edge that fuel elite athletes during recovery phases.
MLB rules permit pitchers to be on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days. This latitude should afford deGrom ample time to rebuild his game stamina and fine-tune his pitches. If there are no setbacks along the way, he is expected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest. This potential timeline aligns well with the team's cautious yet optimistic outlook.
Prior to his injury, deGrom provided a glimpse of his talent in the 2023 season with a series of dazzling performances. In just six starts, he posted a remarkable 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+), along with an astonishing 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 30 innings—a clear testament to his skill and value to the Rangers.
Signed to a lucrative five-year, $185 million deal ahead of the 2023 season, deGrom's contributions were projected to be a cornerstone for the Rangers' ambitions. However, the team's performance this season has left much to be desired. With a current record of 56-68, the Rangers find themselves more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and the wild-card races. A postseason berth appears to be a distant possibility.
Despite the team's struggles, deGrom's return injects a significant morale boost and a competitive spark that could serve as a valuable addition to the final stretch of their season. Whether or not the Rangers can turn their fortunes around, having their ace back on the mound offers a much-needed silver lining.
The question now shifts to how deGrom will perform post-surgery. Historically, Tommy John surgery has allowed many pitchers to return to their previous form, but it is a demanding process that challenges both the body and mind. Every pitch he throws during his rehab assignment will be closely scrutinized by coaches, medical staff, and fans alike.
Ultimately, deGrom's return is a multi-layered affair that goes beyond just baseball statistics. It is a story of resilience, recovery, and the unyielding spirit of an athlete determined to reclaim his position among the elite in Major League Baseball. Fans of the sport will undoubtedly be watching closely, hopeful that one of the game's brightest stars can once again shine on the pitcher's mound.