Jacob deGrom, the star right-hander for the Texas Rangers, reached a significant milestone in his recovery journey back to the Major League. DeGrom took to the mound for the first time since April 28, 2023, in a minor league rehab game at Double-A Frisco. Despite the Rangers being 10 games behind in the playoff race, deGrom’s return is a crucial moment for him and the team.
The 36-year-old pitcher, a two-time NL Cy Young Award winner, expressed the importance of getting back on the field before the season’s end. DeGrom threw 29 pitches over two innings in the rehab assignment, striking out three batters while giving up two hits and a run. His performance showcased progress, with 21 of his pitches finding the strike zone.
DeGrom, who signed a $185 million contract with the Rangers before the 2023 season, highlighted the significance of returning to game action. He acknowledged the importance of ending the season on a positive note after facing injuries that have kept him sidelined.
Despite uncertainties about his future rehab assignments, deGrom remained focused on taking things one step at a time. The pitcher emphasized the need to ensure his body’s recovery before planning his next moves towards a full return to the field.
Having spent the majority of his career with the New York Mets, deGrom’s time with the Rangers has been plagued by injuries. However, his performance on the field has shown promise, especially with the team winning all six games he started last season before his injury.
While deGrom’s rehab progress is a positive development for the Rangers, fellow ace Max Scherzer faced a setback in his own return journey. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner, had his rehab start cancelled due to shoulder fatigue, raising questions about his timeline for coming back to the field.
Throughout his recovery process, deGrom maintained a competitive spirit and a desire to return to the game he loves. His successful rehab outing signals a step in the right direction for the pitcher, offering hope for a strong comeback in the near future.