Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom hasn’t pitched since April 28, when he had to leave his start against the New Yankees after just 3.2 innings.
The official diagnosis was inflammation in his right elbow, something that has been plaguing him on and off for a few years now.
On Monday, the Rangers transferred him to the 60-day injured list.
Fans reacted to the news on Twitter:
Jacob DeGrom’s contract won’t look great on the IL for the next few years. He’s a real life bubble boy
— jjmb1223 (@1Sportsking) June 6, 2023
This legitimately sucks. It sucks as a fan of Jacob deGrom and, honestly, it sucks for baseball. https://t.co/mRqGCZuSls
— Vas Drimalitis (@vasdrimalitis) June 6, 2023
While the news of deGrom being transferred to the 60-day injured list does delay his potential return for a few days, it doesn’t really change much.
Who knows what will happen with deGrom but going on the 60 day IL today is meaningless. He's eligible to come off it last week of this month. If he began ramping up today he wouldn't be ready any sooner than that. This is bookkeeping, doesn't mean a change in his injury.
— Michael Leiman (@mleiman1) June 6, 2023
In fact, it can be described as a procedural move to free up a roster spot for the return of Spencer Howard, who is now healthy and ready to go.
When deGrom is fully healthy and ready to go, the Rangers will surely find a spot for him.
deGrom had actually started a throwing program, which is obviously a positive sign, until he halted it a few days ago while on paternity leave.
He is now eligible to return from the injured list on June 28.
However, there is no telling about his potential return date.
It will depend on how he feels when the Rangers inevitably increase his workload in the rehab process.
He needs to graduate to throwing bullpens, live batting practice, and then a rehab assignment.
deGrom has been the ace the Rangers wanted and needed when on the mound.
He has a 2.67 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 30.1 innings, and the Rangers haven’t lost in his six starts.
When will he return?
Nobody knows, but the decision to move him to the 60-day injured list doesn’t really change things.
NEXT: Rangers Ace Remains On His Impressive Run
