The Texas Rangers’ right-hand pitcher Jacob deGrom is hoping to return to MLB action as soon as this week.
deGrom underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2023 but hasn’t pitched in a game since April of the same year. He now seems closer than ever to returning to action after making three rehab starts in recent weeks, one with Double-A Frisco and two with Triple-A Round Rock.
deGroom is scheduled to have his fourth and final rehab start on Saturday with Double-A Frisco, but the veteran expressed optimism that he could end up suiting for the Rangers instead. The Rangers play the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday.
“I think it’s just seeing where we’re at with what we have here pitching, kind of how this week goes,” deGrom told reporters. “I think if I did throw here it wouldn’t be more than three (innings). So depending on where the bullpen’s at, and then what we think … whether they want me to go four innings, that would be there in Frisco, or three possibly here.”
On the other hand, Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy isn’t thrilled with the idea.
“That’s always an option, but I don’t think that’s what we’re going to do,” Bochy said when asked about the possibility of deGrom starting on Saturday for the Rangers.
In his most recent rehab start with Round Rock, deGrom threw 43 pitches and struck out five while allowing one hit and one walk.
