Jacob deGrom Nears Return to the Mound After 14-Month Recuperation
Jacob deGrom is on the cusp of making a much-anticipated return to the mound, marking the end of a grueling recovery period following Tommy John surgery in April 2023. The ace underwent the procedure to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament, and his journey back to MLB action is finally gathering momentum.
DeGrom, who signed a lucrative five-year deal worth $185 million with the Texas Rangers before the 2023 season, has now cleared the critical 14-month recovery threshold typically allotted for pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery. During his time away from the field, the Rangers have noticeably struggled, holding a 56-68 record and sitting more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races. A postseason berth seems increasingly unlikely.
The 34-year-old pitcher is slated to begin a rehab assignment this week, in line with MLB rules which permit pitchers to go on such assignments for up to 30 days. Should everything proceed as planned and without setbacks, deGrom is projected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
Impressive Early Season Stats
Prior to his injury, deGrom was a standout performer for the Rangers. Over just 30 innings in six starts, he managed to maintain a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+), coupled with an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. These statistics solidified his role as a linchpin in the Rangers' rotation before his abrupt exit due to injury.
Reflecting on his journey back, deGrom said, "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" This comment underscores the lengthy recovery process that pitchers face post-Tommy John surgery, a procedure known for its extensive rehabilitation requirements.
Rehab Assignment Begins
As deGrom gears up for his rehab assignment, there’s cautious optimism within the Rangers organization. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom added, speaking about the importance of facing live batters in his comeback journey.
His return couldn't come at a more crucial time for the Rangers, who have found it challenging to keep pace in a competitive division. The team's struggles this season highlight the impact of deGrom's absence and the significance of his return, even if it’s primarily for reading the team for future seasons rather than immediate playoff ambitions.
The next few weeks will be pivotal for deGrom as he works to regain his form and stamina. The Rangers will be monitoring his progress closely, knowing that his performance and health will be key factors in determining how quickly he can return to MLB play. A successful rehab stint would not only boost team morale but also provide a critical appraisal of what to expect from their star pitcher moving forward.
Future Prospects
While the immediate outlook for a postseason appearance for the Rangers this year is bleak, deGrom's return symbolizes hope for the franchise moving into subsequent seasons. His performance levels pre-injury indicate that, if he can regain his previous form, he will remain a formidable asset in their pitching rotation.
In the ever-dynamic world of MLB, where injuries can rapidly alter a team's trajectory, the return of a high-caliber player like deGrom could signal a turnaround in fortunes for the Rangers. For now, all eyes will be on him as he embarks on this critical rehab assignment, culminating months of hard work and perseverance.
As deGrom steps back onto the field, the MLB community will be closely watching, not just out of support for his recovery but with a keen interest in how one of the game's elite pitchers reclaims his spot among baseball's best.