After undergoing right elbow surgery 10 months ago, Jacob deGrom, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is taking a step closer to returning to the Texas Rangers lineup. He has progressed from throwing at a distance of 75 feet to 90 feet, making 25 throws at this new distance. The plan is to continue throwing at 90 feet for a week, then increase to 50 throws for another week, and finally 75 throws for the following week. DeGrom is hopeful for a return to the mound soon.
Manager Bruce Bochy observed deGrom’s throwing session and was impressed by how freely and easily deGrom was throwing, noting the carry on his ball. While there is excitement about his progress, Bochy acknowledged that deGrom still has a ways to go and they are aiming for a return in early August.
Despite his limited time on the field last season, deGrom had a strong performance with a 2-0 record and a 2.67 ERA, helping the Rangers win all six games he started on their way to winning the World Series. The team is hopeful that his return will boost their chances of making the playoffs this season.
If deGrom’s rehab continues to progress well, he will gradually increase the throwing distance to 105 feet and then 120 feet before returning to pitching on a mound, possibly no earlier than June. His contract with the Rangers includes a conditional optional for a sixth season in 2028, which will be activated due to his elbow injury. The value of this option will depend on deGrom’s performance and health up to the end of the 2027 season.
