Jacob deGrom Set to Make Anticipated Return Following Tommy John Surgery
Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom is on the verge of a much-anticipated return to the mound, putting an end to his extended hiatus from Major League Baseball. deGrom has been sidelined since April 2023 due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which necessitated Tommy John surgery. With his rehab assignment set to begin this week, fans and teammates alike are eagerly awaiting his comeback.
The journey to recovery from Tommy John surgery, a procedure most commonly associated with pitchers, typically spans around 14 months. Having now cleared this crucial recovery threshold, deGrom appears poised to move forward without any further setbacks. Under MLB rules, pitchers have a window of up to 30 days to complete their rehab assignments, which puts deGrom on track to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September.
Reflecting on his progress, deGrom expressed optimism about his return. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" he said, highlighting the long road back to recovery. His sentiments were echoed by his confidence in facing real competition again. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit."
Before his injury curtailed his season, deGrom had made a significant impact in his early outings for the Rangers. During the 2023 season's brief stretch, he posted an impressive 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 30 innings across six starts. These performances underscored why Texas had invested in him, as deGrom signed a lucrative five-year deal worth $185 million with the Rangers prior to the season.
Despite deGrom's individual brilliance, the Rangers' overall performance has left much to be desired. Currently owning a 56-68 record, the team finds itself more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races. This significant deficit has made a postseason berth an unlikely scenario for the Rangers, dampening the optimism that accompanied the start of the season.
Nevertheless, deGrom's return is not just about this season. The rehabilitation period and subsequent performance will provide critical insights into how deGrom, a key part of the Rangers' long-term plans, might contribute moving forward. His return will be closely monitored, not just by the team and its fans, but by the wider baseball community. The narrative of a top-tier pitcher returning to form following Tommy John surgery is always compelling, offering a blend of hope, recovery, and the undying spirit of competition.
As deGrom steps onto the mound in the coming weeks for his rehab assignment, the focus will be on his ability to regain the dominant form that has characterized his career. The Rangers, though facing a challenging season, can find a silver lining in the potential resurgence of their star pitcher. While this season may not culminate in a playoff run, the successful return of deGrom would be a positive takeaway, providing momentum and setting a promising tone for the future.