Jacob deGrom Set to Make a Comeback Following Tommy John Surgery
Jacob deGrom is on the brink of an eagerly anticipated return to the mound after a significant hiatus. The star pitcher has been sidelined since April 2023 due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, an injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery.
It's been a long road to recovery for deGrom, but he has now surpassed the critical 14-month mark that teams typically consider sufficient for a pitcher’s rehabilitation after such a procedure. This milestone paves the way for his comeback, as he readies himself to embark on a rehab assignment this week.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom remarked, highlighting both his physical readiness and the duration of his recovery process.
Rehab Assignment and Timeline for Return
Major League Baseball rules allow pitchers to engage in rehab assignments for up to 30 days. If deGrom avoids any setbacks during this period, he is projected to rejoin the Texas Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
deGrom plans to use this rehab stint to ease back into competitive play, a critical step given his prolonged absence. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," he noted, underscoring the importance of real-game situations for his preparation.
Early Season Performance and Contract
Before his injury, deGrom had displayed flashes of brilliance for the Rangers. Over just six starts and 30 innings, he posted an impressive 2.67 ERA, translating to a 161 ERA+, along with an outstanding 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. These numbers were promising indicators of his potential impact on the team.
During the offseason prior to the 2023 campaign, deGrom signed a lucrative five-year contract worth $185 million with the Rangers. This investment by Texas underscores their confidence in his abilities and their high expectations for his contributions to the team’s future success.
Rangers' Current Standing
The Rangers currently find themselves sporting a 56-68 record, trailing by more than 10 games in both the American League West and wild-card races. With their chances of securing a postseason berth appearing slim, deGrom's return might be viewed as a build-up for the next season rather than an immediate push for playoff contention.
Nevertheless, deGrom’s presence on the mound will undoubtedly bolster the team, providing an invaluable opportunity for him to fine-tune his performance and regain his form in preparation for the subsequent season.
As deGrom steps back into the spotlight, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing his performance and progress. His return marks a significant moment not only for the Rangers but for the sport at large, which has sorely missed the talents of one of its premier pitchers.