Jacob deGrom is on the brink of making his much-anticipated return to the mound. The star pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023, following Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Now, after clearing the pivotal 14-month recovery period typical for such surgeries, deGrom is set to begin a rehab assignment this week.
For teams and fans alike, this marks a significant milestone. The standard recovery timeline for pitchers undergoing Tommy John surgery is approximately 14 months, a threshold deGrom has now passed, paving the way for his impending return. Major League Baseball rules allow pitchers to participate in rehab assignments for up to 30 days, and barring any setbacks, deGrom is projected to rejoin the Texas Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
Reflecting on his journey back to the game, deGrom remarked, "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" These words convey the blend of anticipation and readiness that accompanies his return.
A High-Stakes Comeback
Before his injury, deGrom had been a cornerstone of the Rangers' pitching staff. Signed to a five-year, $185 million deal prior to the 2023 season, the two-time Cy Young Award winner demonstrated his worth early with a stellar 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings spread across six starts.
The Rangers, currently floundering with a 56-68 record, find themselves more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races. With a postseason berth now a dwindling prospect, deGrom’s return will be a beacon not just for the remaining games of this season, but also as a stepping stone to a stronger 2024 campaign.
Rehabilitation and Strategy
deGrom's rehab assignment will be closely monitored by the Rangers’ medical and coaching staff, ensuring that his reintroduction to high-intensity play is as seamless as possible. The road to recovery has included rigorous physical therapy and conditioning, aiming to rebuild strength and flexibility in his surgically-repaired arm.
"You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," deGrom added, emphasizing the mental and emotional boost of returning to competitive play. Facing live batters in a game situation is an integral part of any pitcher's rehabilitation process, and for deGrom, it will be a crucial step in regaining his confidence and rhythm on the mound.
Looking Ahead
The Rangers’ management is cautiously optimistic about deGrom’s imminent return. Given his contract and the investment made, ensuring his full recovery and long-term health remains a top priority. As this season winds down with the playoffs out of reach, careful utilization of deGrom could serve dual purposes: providing him with essential innings to regain form while safeguarding his performance levels for next year’s campaign.
deGrom’s journey back to the mound also carries broader implications for the team. With a largely underperforming season behind them, Texas will look to deGrom to spearhead a rejuvenated pitching roster in 2024. Building around his elite capabilities, the Rangers hope to fortify their roster with additional talent, aimed at transforming their fortunes in the fiercely competitive American League.
In the often unpredictable realm of sports, the return of a player of deGrom’s caliber offers a rare moment of certainty—an opportunity to witness one of baseball’s premier talents reclaim his place on center stage. While the immediate outcomes of his rehab and subsequent games may be tightly scrutinized, the overarching narrative remains one of perseverance and resilience, qualities that deGrom has displayed in abundance throughout his storied career.
As fans and teammates await his return, the sentiment can be aptly summed up by deGrom’s own hopeful outlook. The forthcoming weeks will reveal how successfully he navigates this final stretch of his recovery, with all eyes fixed on mid-September for what promises to be a poignant and pivotal moment for both Jacob deGrom and the Texas Rangers.