Jacob deGrom is on the cusp of making his return to the mound after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He has been out of action since April 2023 due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, a severe injury that necessitates an extended period of recovery. Now, after clearing the crucial 14-month recovery threshold, deGrom is slated to begin a rehab assignment this week.
The upcoming rehab assignment marks a significant milestone in deGrom's journey back to Major League Baseball (MLB). According to MLB rules, pitchers can go on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days. If everything proceeds without setbacks, deGrom is projected to rejoin the Texas Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
This potential return could be monumental for the Rangers, who have struggled this season. With a 56-68 record, they find themselves more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and the wild-card races. A postseason berth appears highly unlikely, but the inclusion of a healthy deGrom could at least bolster the team’s performance as it heads toward the end of the season.
Prior to his injury, Jacob deGrom had showcased his elite pitching abilities in his early performances for the Rangers. He signed a five-year deal with Texas worth $185 million before the 2023 season and lived up to expectations in a limited sample size. Over just 30 innings in six starts, deGrom recorded a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Despite the small sample size, these stats underscored deGrom's ability to dominate on the mound.
Reflecting on his rehabilitation and anticipated return, deGrom shared, "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" His words highlight both the extended recovery period typical for Tommy John surgery and his readiness to get back into competition. DeGrom also mentioned the importance of facing other players to reach peak form, saying, "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit."
The timing of deGrom's return also potentially offers a morale boost to his teammates and fans alike. Even if the Rangers’ playoff hopes are slim, having a two-time Cy Young Award winner back on the mound could generate excitement and provide a positive note for the season's conclusion.
Tommy John surgery has a historically well-documented success rate, with pitchers typically allotted about 14 months for recovery. DeGrom's clearance of this key threshold is an encouraging sign, aligning with the optimistic timelines often projected for such recovery paths. However, the true test will come when deGrom steps into real game scenarios and how his arm responds to the pressures of live pitching.
For the Texas Rangers, deGrom's return signifies not just a bolstered pitching rotation but also an opportunity to evaluate their investment. Signing deGrom to a five-year deal was a clear statement of intent from the organization, signaling their ambition to build a competitive team around one of baseball’s premier pitchers. Although his tenure with the team has been plagued by injury thus far, deGrom's performance in the rehabilitation period will be closely scrutinized.
As of now, both the team and its supporters eagerly await each update from his rehab assignments. Each successful outing brings deGrom closer to stepping back onto a Major League mound, a scenario that, if achieved without setbacks, could still serve as a high point in an otherwise challenging season for the Rangers.
While the path to his full return might still hold uncertainties, Jacob deGrom's journey is a testament to resilience and excellence. His commitment and work ethic during this prolonged recovery period have set the stage for what could be a remarkable comeback.