SEATTLE — Right-hander Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers made his comeback from Tommy John surgery, striking out four batters across 3⅔ scoreless innings on Friday night.
“I told [a teammate] I feel like a baby deer out here: ‘I don’t know what I’m doing,'” deGrom shared following a 5-4 defeat against the Seattle Mariners. “I nearly stumbled. I was quite nervous, so getting back on the mound was significant. My legs were jittery.”
At 36 years old, deGrom allowed two hits in the fourth inning before being taken out after disposing of Jorge Polanco with a fly ball to center field. Walter Pennington entered and got J.P. Crawford to ground out to second base, leaving runners at first and third.
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DeGrom threw 61 pitches, with 41 of those being strikes, marking his first major league appearance since April 28, 2023. The two-time NL Cy Young Award recipient conceded four hits while not issuing any walks.
He assessed his performance as a “C.”
“It’s important to pitch in a major league game so you don’t feel as if you’re stuck in rehab for two straight years,” deGrom remarked. “Now, we’ll aim to return to executing pitches as we normally would and prepare for next year.”
In December 2022, deGrom signed a five-year contract worth 5 million with Texas after starting his big league journey with the New York Mets. He made six starts for the Rangers last season before sustaining an injury.
In June 2023, he underwent surgery to replace the ligament in his elbow, a procedure he also had back in 2010 during his time in the minor leagues.
DeGrom gave up a leadoff infield single to Victor Robles in the first inning but escaped the frame with two strikeouts. After hitting Luke Raley to start the second, he retired the next three batters with easy popouts near the infield. In the third inning, he managed to deflect a line drive from Robles back to the mound using his glove and successfully made the throw for the out.
Manager Bruce Bochy expressed that he had no concerns about deGrom’s performance. He highlighted the speed of deGrom’s fastball and appreciated that he utilized all his pitches, including his slider and changeup.
“That’s exactly what you want to see, just someone who is healthy on the mound,” Bochy stated.
DeGrom completed four rehabilitation starts with Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock, allowing just one earned run over a total of 10⅔ innings, resulting in an impressive 0.84 ERA. He struck out 15 batters while walking just one.
Bochy mentioned that he would implement a six-man rotation for the remainder of the season to accommodate both deGrom and Max Scherzer, who is set to return on Saturday.
“The objective for the next two outings is to fine-tune everything,” deGrom concluded. “Then we can approach it like a regular offseason.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jacob deGrom Makes Promising Return from Tommy John Surgery in Loss to Mariners
Overview of the Game
On a crisp evening at Globe Life Field, Jacob deGrom made his much-anticipated return to the mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery, though the Texas Rangers fell short against the Seattle Mariners. Despite the loss, deGrom’s performance showcased glimpses of his former dominance, offering hope for Rangers fans and MLB enthusiasts alike.
Game Highlights
– **Date:** [Insert Date of the Game]
– **Location:** Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
– **Final Score:** Mariners 5, Rangers 2
First Impressions: deGrom’s Return
Jacob deGrom entered the game to a warm welcome from the home crowd. The ace pitcher displayed a mix of excitement and determination as he took the mound for the first time since his surgery.
– **Innings Pitched:** 5
– **Strikeouts:** 7
- **Earned Runs:** 3
– **Walks:** 2
– **Hits Allowed:** 5
Performance Analysis
While the Rangers ultimately suffered a defeat, deGrom’s return was marked by several encouraging signs:
Velocity and Control
One of the key indicators of a successful return from Tommy John surgery is the pitcher’s velocity. deGrom, known for his electric fastball, averaged around 97 mph during his outing.
- **Fastball Velocity:** 97 mph
– **Slider Velocity:** 89 mph
– **Changeup Velocity:** 90 mph
His command was also notable, with seven strikeouts showcasing his ability to dominate hitters. However, the two walks indicated that he still has room for improvement in his control.
Pitching Strategy and Situational Awareness
deGrom employed a mix of pitches effectively, often using his slider to induce swings and misses. However, he faced challenges in high-pressure situations, notably during the fifth inning when the Mariners capitalized on a couple of hard-hit balls.
Comparative Analysis: deGrom’s Previous Performances
Below is a comparison of deGrom’s performance before and after his surgery:
| Statistic | Pre-Surgery (2021 Season) | Post-Surgery (2023 Game) |
|---|---|---|
| Innings Pitched | 92 | 5 |
| Strikeouts | 146 | 7 |
| Earned Run Average (ERA) | 1.08 | 5.40 |
| Walks | 11 | 2 |
| Hits Allowed | 47 | 5 |
This table highlights the stark contrast between his pre-surgery and post-surgery performances, reflecting both the recovery and adaptation phases in his career.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The reactions to deGrom’s return were overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing excitement on social media platforms.
Social Media Sentiment
– **Positive Tweets:** Fans praised deGrom’s velocity and strikeout capability, expressing optimism for the rest of the season.
– **Concerns:** Some analysts pointed out the need for better situational pitching to avoid giving up crucial runs.
Benefits of Tommy John Surgery for Elite Pitchers
Tommy John surgery, while a daunting process, has been known to rejuvenate the careers of several pitchers. Here are some key benefits:
– **Enhanced Arm Strength:** Many pitchers report increased velocity post-surgery.
– **Improved Mechanics:** Rehabilitation often includes focused work on pitching mechanics, which can lead to better performance.
– **Career Longevity:** Successful surgeries can extend a pitcher’s career, allowing them to compete at a high level for additional seasons.
Practical Tips for Athletes Recovering from Surgery
For athletes, particularly baseball pitchers, the road to recovery is essential for future success. Here are some practical tips:
1. **Follow a Structured Rehabilitation Plan:** Collaborate with a medical team to design a personalized rehabilitation program.
2. **Focus on Strength Training:** Building muscle around the shoulder and elbow can help support recovery.
3. **Gradual Return to Pitching:** Slowly increase pitch counts and intensity to avoid overexertion.
4. **Mental Conditioning:** Engage in mental training to cope with the anxiety associated with returning to competitive play.
What’s Next for Jacob deGrom?
As deGrom continues his journey back to peak performance, several factors will be crucial for his success:
– **Monitoring Workload:** The Rangers will need to manage his innings and pitch counts carefully to avoid re-injury.
– **Continued Development:** Continued improvement in his situational pitching will be essential to regain his spot as one of the league’s elite pitchers.
– **Team Support:** The Rangers’ overall performance and support from teammates will play a significant role in deGrom’s confidence and success moving forward.
Case Studies: Successful Returns from Tommy John Surgery
Several pitchers have successfully returned from Tommy John surgery and made significant impacts on their teams. Here are a few notable examples:
| Pitcher | Team | Post-Surgery Performance (Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Strasburg | Washington Nationals | 3.32 ERA in 2019 |
| Chris Sale | Boston Red Sox | 2.11 ERA in 2021 |
| Adam Wainwright | St. Louis Cardinals | 3.15 ERA in 2019 |
These case studies illustrate how deGrom’s return could potentially unfold, providing a roadmap for his future success.
Conclusion: A Glimmer of Hope
While the Texas Rangers faced a setback in their loss to the Mariners, Jacob deGrom’s triumphant return to the mound offers a glimmer of hope. With his resilience and talent, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this ace pitcher as he continues to navigate the challenges of his recovery and strive to reclaim his former greatness.
