Angels News: DeGrom Nears Return from Injury as Rangers Face Angels in Crucial Showdown

Former Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jacob deGrom is on track for a return to the mound after a lengthy absence due to Tommy John surgery.

The former Cy Young Award winner has not pitched in a Major League game since April 28, 2023 , but he could make his comeback during the Texas Rangers’ upcoming homestand against the Los Angeles Angels, starting September 5.

Recently, deGrom completed a rehab assignment with the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders, where he pitched two innings, recording three strikeouts and allowing one run on two hits.

He has since been promoted to Triple-A Round Rock, where he delivered another strong performance, striking out two batters and not allowing any hits or runs in his latest outing.

According to Rangers’ general manager Chris Young on DallasNews.com . The Rangers plan for deGrom to make at least one more rehab start before potentially rejoining the active roster.

“There is rehab that happens at the big league level,” Young said. “It happened with [Tyler] Mahle. There is a responsible way to slowly integrate him back in as part of the final step of rehab.”

The team currently relies on a four-man rotation, which has been affected by injuries this season. Adding deGrom back into the mix would significantly bolster their pitching staff.

DeGrom, a two-time Cy Young winner, has faced numerous injuries over the past few seasons, limiting him to just 17 appearances in 2022 and 2023.

Despite these setbacks, he signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers in December 2022, reflecting the team's confidence in his ability to return to form.

As deGrom approaches his long-awaited comeback, the Rangers are optimistic about his impact, especially as the Angels struggle, having lost nine of their last ten games.