World Series winner Jacob deGrom has yet to play in a 2024 MLB season field, but he is getting there.
The latest injury update from Texas Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy suggests the right-handed pitcher is on track with his recovery. Ten months after undergoing Tommy John surgery, he is throwing again.
In addition, Bochy witnessed deGrom's session and likes what he has seen from the recovering pitcher so far.
The manager even said that it seems the player is closer to his target return than what is advised.
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"It's amazing how free and easy he's throwing, and the carry he's got on it," Bochy said.
"You would think watching that, you know, that he wasn't that far out. You get excited, but you realize he still has a ways to go. We're looking at early August."
Jacob deGrom return date
There is no confirmation yet from the Rangers' camp and team's doctors that they can accelerate his return.
His recovery timeline says he can only return by August this season.
However, there is a good reason to be hopeful.
DeGrom signed a five-year, $185 million contract in 2022 and started his normal catch progression in early February. General manager Chris Young, referencing the medical team's assessment, described his performance as "looking great."
He has started throwing at 90 feet and will look to go further in the next few weeks.
DeGrom himself feels good about his recovery.
"Once you start throwing, you kind are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. And then each time you complete a distance, you're moving back, you're getting that much closer to getting to the mound," he said.
"So every step right now is big. Definitely happy with how it felt today."
His injury recovery timeline now indicates that he will stay at 90 feet for a three-week throwing session. He will then move to 105 and 120 feet for two to three weeks.
He could be back in the mound by early June, according to the Texas Rangers.
The Rangers are hoping to squeeze the salary they will pay for DeGrom. His performance this season could also dictate how much he will receive from the club due to the conditional option attached to his contract.
The conditional option will take effect by 2028, the sixth season of the contract, and will range from $20 million to $30 million or $37 million, depending on his performance and health.
Other injured Rangers
The Rangers' pitching department is quite thin right now as Tyler Mahle and Max Scherzer remain out.
The former underwent a Tommy John surgery last season and started throwing again last month. Last March, he shared that he is already throwing at 90 feet without a setback.
Meanwhile, Scherzer, acquired by the team mid-season, is rehabbing a herniated disc. GM Young said the eight-time All-Star is in good shape after spring training activities.
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