Jacob deGrom, a name synonymous with pitching excellence, is nearing his much-anticipated return to Major League Baseball. Following months on the sidelines due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, deGrom is set to begin a rehab assignment this week, marking a pivotal step in his recovery journey.
deGrom's journey back to the mound has been a long and arduous one. The star pitcher has been out of action since April 2023, undergoing Tommy John surgery shortly thereafter. This procedure, often a litmus test for a pitcher's resilience and long-term performance, typically requires around 14 months for full recovery. deGrom has now reached and cleared this crucial milestone, signaling that his comeback is imminent.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom remarked, encapsulating both the physical endurance and mental fortitude required to reach this stage. His sentiment resonates deeply with fans who have eagerly awaited his return.
Tommy John surgery, named after the first pitcher to undergo the procedure, is designed to repair a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. It is a testament to medical advancement that many pitchers return to their pre-surgery form, though the journey is fraught with uncertainty and requires months of meticulous rehabilitation.
MLB rules permit pitchers to embark on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, a period during which they can gradually ramp up their activity and regain in-game experience. If deGrom encounters no setbacks, the anticipation is that he could rejoin his team, the Texas Rangers, by mid-September.
The timing of deGrom's potential return is notable. Prior to the 2023 season, he inked a lucrative five-year deal with the Rangers worth a staggering $185 million. However, his tenure with the team has been marred by injury, limiting his appearances to just six starts and 30 innings. In those limited outings, deGrom nonetheless showcased his brilliance, posting a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
While deGrom's stats were stellar, the Rangers have struggled significantly in his absence. With a current record of 56-68, the team is more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races. As a result, a postseason berth appears highly unlikely for the Rangers this year.
The Rangers' struggles underscore the importance of deGrom's presence on the mound. His ability to dominate opposing hitters can serve as both a morale booster for his teammates and a catalyst for potential future success. As deGrom poignantly noted, "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit." His return, even if it comes too late to salvage this season, could be instrumental in setting a positive tone for the future.
Rejoining the team in mid-September would also provide deGrom an opportunity to gauge his performance and stamina ahead of the next season. This brief window could prove invaluable for both the Rangers' coaching staff and deGrom himself to assess any adjustments that may be needed during the offseason.
As the baseball world looks forward to deGrom's comeback, the underlying narrative is one of hope and resilience. His journey back from Tommy John surgery serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the unyielding spirit of those who make their mark on the game. Whether deGrom's return will significantly alter the Rangers' fortunes this season remains to be seen. However, his presence on the mound undoubtedly rekindles excitement and optimism among fans and teammates alike.
In a sport that constantly evolves, filled with both triumphs and tribulations, Jacob deGrom's story adds yet another compelling chapter. As he prepares to take those crucial steps back onto the field, the anticipation of seeing one of baseball's finest in action once more is palpable.