Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom will begin a rehab assignment this week, according to Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today. deGrom expects to start for Double-A Frisco on Thursday, marking his first step toward returning to the mound after missing over a calendar year due to Tommy John surgery.
Jacob deGrom says he will likely make his first rehab start Thursday night for @RidersBaseball. Plans to throw a bullpen session Tuesday.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) August 19, 2024
While the Rangers’ postseason hopes are all but sunk thanks to a poor offense, deGrom’s return will be looked upon favorably by fans throughout the league. Despite the odds, the two-time Cy Young Award winner’s comeback is a significant development for the future of both deGrom and the Rangers.
Jacob deGrom To Begin Rehab Assignment on Thursday
The Rangers reportedly want deGrom to make four starts on his rehab assignment. The righty has looked impressive during his bullpen sessions. However, Texas will surely take his rehab slowly. With the team sliding out of postseason contention, there’s little need to rush deGrom’s return from his second Tommy John surgery.
Jacob deGrom throwing another live BP/sim game/whatever we’re calling facing hitters these days pic.twitter.com/IEF3O4sD23
— Dave Sessions (@davesessions) August 17, 2024
Thursday’s start will represent deGrom’s first game action since he made his sixth and final start last season on April 28. His overall results were pretty good, as the righty posted a 2.57 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings.
The strong start to deGrom’s season came to a quick halt as right elbow inflammation sent him to the injured list. His future immediately became murky, and few were surprised when he eventually needed surgery.
Arm issues became frequent during the final years of deGrom’s tenure with the New York Mets. That said, the Rangers still decided to sign him to a massive contract after the 2022 season. Though the organization knew a serious arm injury was possible, the Rangers surely hoped it would come later in the deal, if at all.
deGrom’s Future in Texas
The Rangers could be far from competitive by the time Jacob deGrom returns this season. So, one may ask, why not hold him out until 2025?
There’s a few reasons.
“I think it would mean a lot to him to go into the offseason and know he’s ready to go.” https://t.co/Uu1LCH9oFx
— Shawn McFarland (@McFarland_Shawn) August 18, 2024
Texas still managed to win its first-ever World Series title last season without deGrom. However, the ace represented a key part of the team’s plans in 2024. The Rangers entered the season expecting deGrom, fellow multi-Cy Young winner Max Scherzer, and veteran Tyler Mahle to return in the second half and bolster the rotation ahead of the postseason.
While that plan has not worked out, deGrom starting a rehab assignment is a great sign for the Rangers. Texas will see multiple starting pitchers enter free agency following this season. If deGrom can finish 2024 healthy and have a normal offseason, the 2025 Rangers rotation would benefit greatly.
Photo Credit: © Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
