Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to Major League Baseball after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2023. The two-time Cy Young Award winner is set to make his first MLB start in 503 days against the Seattle Mariners.
DeGrom, known for his dominant pitching performances, has always struggled to sleep the night before a start due to nerves. Despite his pre-game jitters, he expressed his excitement about getting back on the mound, stating, 'It’s been a long time. I’m excited to be back out there, really looking forward to tomorrow.'
This will be deGrom's second Tommy John surgery, with the first occurring during his time as a minor leaguer in 2010. His journey back to the field has been marked by grueling rehabilitation efforts, a process that Rangers GM Chris Young understands well from his own playing career.
Young commended deGrom's dedication and hard work, emphasizing the joy of witnessing a player overcome challenges to return to the game they love. DeGrom's return is part of an exciting week for the Rangers, with rookie pitcher Kumar Rocker making his MLB debut and veteran Max Scherzer set to start on Saturday.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed the team's enthusiasm for the upcoming starts, highlighting the significance of having key players healthy and back in action. DeGrom, eager to prove himself after the extended hiatus, emphasized the anticipation surrounding his return, stating, 'It’s going to be an exciting day for me.'
DeGrom's resilience and determination will be put to the test as he takes the mound once again, aiming to showcase his pitching prowess and make a strong comeback to the MLB stage.
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