Jacob deGrom has made significant progress toward returning to a major league mound this season, even though the Texas Rangers are not likely to make the playoffs.
DeGrom pitched in a game for the first time since April 28, 2023, throwing 29 pitches over two innings in a minor league rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco on Thursday night.
The defending World Series champions were 10 games behind in the AL West with 34 games left to play, so deGrom’s return might not impact the playoff race.
However, it is important for the 36-year-old pitcher and the team that signed him to a $185 million, five-year contract before the 2023 season despite his injury history. He had only made six starts before needing his second major elbow surgery.
“It’s very important,” said deGrom, who struck out three batters after giving up two hits and a run at the start of his outing.
“That way, I can treat the offseason a little bit more normal. If I don’t get out there, it’s going to feel like I’ve been rehabbing all that time through, whatever that is, almost a year and a half.”
DeGrom thought his location was off, but he threw 21 pitches for strikes. He used fastballs, including one at 100 mph for his first strikeout, along with sliders and a few changeups.
DeGrom said he will likely use only these three pitches in his games this season and isn’t sure how many more rehab outings he will need.
“I don’t think we’ve gone that far yet,” deGrom said. “One step at a time. Make sure I bounce back tomorrow, then we’ll come up with a plan from there.”
