Jacob deGrom, the Texas Rangers' ace, is on the verge of making his highly anticipated return to the mound. The veteran pitcher has been absent from action since April 2023, sidelined by a torn ulnar collateral ligament that necessitated Tommy John surgery. With the typical recovery timeline for such a procedure being around 14 months, deGrom has now surpassed this crucial milestone and is poised to begin a rehab assignment this week.
Road to Recovery
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom remarked, reflecting on the lengthy period away from the game. An essential part of his comeback, the rehab assignment represents a critical step in gauging his readiness to return to Major League Baseball. According to MLB rules, pitchers are allowed up to 30 days on a rehab assignment, a window that should give deGrom ample time to rediscover his form and stamina.
DeGrom's journey back to the mound has been one of patience and determination. The 35-year-old right-hander, who signed a lucrative five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers before the 2023 season, has endured an arduous recovery process. In his early outings for Texas, he showcased the elite skills that prompted the hefty investment, posting a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) with an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts.
Impact on the Rangers
The Rangers, who currently hold a 56-68 record, have sorely missed deGrom’s presence on the mound. His exceptional performance in the initial stage of the season hinted at the transformative effect he could have had on a struggling pitching staff. Despite their ace's absence, the team's postseason hopes have dimmed considerably, as they find themselves more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and the wild-card races.
With a postseason berth appearing increasingly unlikely, deGrom’s return still holds significant value for the Rangers. His reintroduction to the lineup, projected to occur by mid-September if all goes well, could provide a much-needed morale boost and offer a glimpse of what the team might aspire to in the upcoming seasons.
Aim for 2024 and Beyond
For deGrom, the immediate focus will be on regaining in-game rhythm and building up his pitch count. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom said, expressing optimism about facing live hitters during his rehab starts. Such encounters will be instrumental in measuring his progress and ensuring his arm responds positively to the demands of live-game action.
While the 2023 season may not have unfolded as the Rangers had envisioned, deGrom’s successful return would mark a pivotal step in the franchise's long-term plans. His performance in these final months could set the tone for an offseason geared toward bolstering the roster and making a serious push in 2024. The organization has invested heavily in his talent, and the hope is that he can anchor the starting rotation and lead the charge for years to come.
The Bigger Picture
Injuries, especially those as severe as a torn UCL, are a sobering reminder of the precarious nature of a pitcher’s career. DeGrom's journey underscores the resilience and dedication required to overcome such setbacks. His experience, paired with his elite skills, makes him a valuable asset not just on the mound but as a mentor and leader within the clubhouse.
As deGrom prepares to take this next step in his return, the baseball world will be watching with bated breath. His comeback represents not just a personal milestone but a beacon of hope for the Rangers and their fans. The road has been long, but the potential reward—a healthy Jacob deGrom at the peak of his powers—could be well worth the wait.
For now, the focus remains on one pitch at a time, one start at a time, as deGrom inches closer to his return, with the ultimate goal of reclaiming his status as one of the game's premier pitchers.