Jacob deGrom Set to Begin Rehab Assignment
In a significant development for the Texas Rangers, right-hander Jacob deGrom is on the cusp of making his return to the mound. The star pitcher, who has been out of action since April 2023, is slated to begin a rehab assignment this week. This marks a critical milestone in his recovery journey following Tommy John surgery, which stemmed from a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Typically, teams allot about 14 months for pitchers to recover from this procedure, and deGrom has now cleared that key recovery threshold. The MLB rules allow pitchers to go on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, thus giving deGrom a clear window of roughly four weeks before he must be activated. If everything proceeds without setbacks, deGrom is projected to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September at the latest.
A Steep Road to Recovery
Reflecting on his journey, deGrom recently shared his thoughts after facing live batters in a practice session. "My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" he remarked. This period of rest and rehabilitation has been essential for the ace, allowing him to regain strength and precision.
He also emphasized the importance of returning to competitive play: "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit." For a competitor of deGrom's caliber, the path back to the majors involves much more than physical preparedness; it’s also about re-establishing his rhythm and competitive edge.
High Hopes and High Stakes
The stakes are undeniably high for both deGrom and the Rangers. Prior to the 2023 season, deGrom signed a lucrative five-year deal with Texas worth $185 million. His early performances for the team justified the hefty investment, as he put together a 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an impressive 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts.
However, the Rangers have struggled mightily in deGrom's absence. They currently hold a 56-68 record, placing them more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and wild-card races. This significant gap has made a postseason berth highly unlikely for the squad, tempering expectations for deGrom's impact once he returns.
The Bigger Picture
Despite the challenges facing the team, deGrom's return isn't just about instant victories. His progress is crucial for the Rangers' long-term planning. Even if a late-season playoff push seems out of reach, a healthy and effective deGrom would be a cornerstone moving forward. His presence on the mound would not only bolster the team's morale but also provide valuable innings that can help shape game strategies for the next season.
Moreover, deGrom's health and form could serve as a benchmark for other key players in recovery and development within the organization. His example underscores the meticulous processes involved in returning an elite athlete to peak performance, serving as an inspiration for the whole roster.
Looking Forward
As deGrom embarks on his rehab assignment, all eyes will be on his performance and resilience. Should he navigate this phase successfully, his return could be one of the few bright spots in what has otherwise been a challenging season for the Rangers.
In the span of a few weeks, the narrative around Texas could shift from rebuilding to cautiously optimistic about future campaigns. While immediate results may remain elusive, the long-term benefits of having Jacob deGrom back on the mound are undeniable.
The anticipation builds not just for Rangers fans, but for baseball enthusiasts eager to see one of the sport's premier pitchers back in action, brimming with the same talent and determination that has defined his illustrious career.