The two-time Cy Young Award winner, Jacob deGrom, recently faced live hitters for the third time as he prepares to make a comeback with the Texas Rangers after being sidelined since June 2023. Despite feeling great, deGrom acknowledged the long period of inactivity, stating, “My arm feels great except now it’s just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?” With around 45 pitches thrown in three innings, he expressed his readiness to start a rehab assignment next week, possibly with Double-A Frisco, as he aims to return to the pitchers’ mound.
Alongside deGrom, fellow Rangers starter Jon Gray also faced hitters for three innings on Saturday, signaling his readiness to rejoin the starting rotation. Gray, with a 5-4 record and a 3.73 ERA, last pitched on July 23 but was sidelined due to a groin strain. With both deGrom and Gray on the path to recovery, the Texas Rangers are hopeful for a boost in their pitching arsenal as they push through the remainder of the season.
Despite his optimistic outlook, deGrom acknowledged facing challenges upon his return, particularly in maintaining pitch consistency. The pitcher highlighted his frustration with not achieving full extension, leading to difficulties in controlling his pitches. However, he remains determined to make a comeback this season and intends to focus on getting game time experience to prepare for the upcoming year. Recognizing the importance of his return for both personal and team progression, deGrom’s resilient attitude underscores his commitment to his craft.
Manager’s Take on the Return
Manager Bruce Bochy echoed deGrom’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the pitcher’s return to the field. Bochy emphasized deGrom’s eagerness as an athlete and competitor, stressing the value of getting back into game situations after a prolonged absence. With a positive outlook on deGrom’s rehabilitation progress, Bochy looks forward to integrating the pitcher back into the rotation and utilizing his expertise to bolster the team’s performance in the upcoming games.
The impending return of Jacob deGrom and Jon Gray to the Texas Rangers injects a sense of optimism and anticipation among fans and stakeholders. As the two pitchers gear up for their respective comebacks, the team looks forward to their contributions on the field and the impact they will have on the Rangers’ overall performance. With dedication, resilience, and a shared commitment to success, deGrom, Gray, and the rest of the Rangers’ roster stand poised to make a significant impression in the remainder of the season and beyond.
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