Former Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jacob deGrom is poised to return to the mound after a significant hiatus due to Tommy John surgery. The former Cy Young Award winner hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since April 28, 2023, but he may make his comeback during the Texas Rangers’ upcoming homestand against the Los Angeles Angels, beginning on September 5.
Recently, deGrom wrapped up a rehab stint with the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders, where he pitched two innings, recording three strikeouts and giving up one run on two hits. He has since been moved up to Triple-A Round Rock, where he had another strong performance, striking out two batters and allowing no hits or runs in his latest appearance. According to Rangers’ general manager Chris Young, the team plans for deGrom to make at least one more rehab start before potentially rejoining the active roster.
“There is rehab that happens at the big league level,” Young stated. “It happened with [Tyler] Mahle. There is a responsible way to slowly integrate him back in as part of the final step of rehab.” The Rangers currently operate with a four-man rotation, which has been impacted by injuries this season. Reintegrating deGrom would provide a significant boost to their pitching staff. Despite battling injuries over the past few seasons, deGrom signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers in December 2022, showcasing the team’s faith in his ability to return to form. As deGrom nears his anticipated return, the Rangers are hopeful about his impact, especially given the Angels’ recent struggles, having lost nine of their last ten games.
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