Jacob deGrom, oft-injured Rangers ace, to have season-ending right elbow surgery

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After signing a lucrative five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers in the previous offseason, Jacob deGrom, a highly acclaimed pitcher and two-time NL Cy Young Award winner, was expected to elevate the team’s performance and guide them to their first playoffs since 2016. However, the Rangers were aware of the risks involved due to deGrom’s injury-riddled past with the New York Mets.

Despite the Rangers’ remarkable start to the season, leading the AL West, they have been without deGrom since late April. Now, the team received the unfortunate news that their prized acquisition will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Expressing his disappointment, deGrom said, tears welling in his eyes, “We’ve got a special group here, and to not be able to be out there and help them win, that stinks. Wanting to be out there and helping the team, it’s a disappointment.”

The decision for surgery was made following an MRI on deGrom’s ailing elbow. The full extent of the procedure needed will only be determined during the operation next week, but there are indications that Tommy John surgery might be necessary. Notably, deGrom had previously undergone Tommy John surgery in 2010, shortly after being drafted by the Mets, which caused him to miss the entire 2011 season.

DeGrom’s last appearance was on April 28 against the New York Yankees, during which he left the game early due to injury concerns, marking the second time in three starts. The announcement about the season-ending surgery came a day after deGrom was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

General manager Chris Young stated that the recent MRI revealed additional inflammation and significant structural damage in the ligament, which was not evident in the scan taken after deGrom’s departure from the game against the Yankees.

Young emphasized, “It’s obviously a tough blow for Jacob, for certainly the Rangers. But we do feel this is what is right for Jacob in his career. We’re confident he’ll make a full recovery.”

Both Young and deGrom expressed optimism about the pitcher’s potential return toward the end of the next season. DeGrom will turn 35 later this month, and the Rangers hope to have him back in top form for the final stretch of his contract.

While deGrom’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Rangers, they have benefited from his contributions, winning all six games he started this season. In those games, deGrom displayed his exceptional skills, achieving a 2-0 record with a 2.67 ERA, 45 strikeouts, and only four walks. His most recent start against the Yankees saw him throw 3 2/3 scoreless innings before exiting due to arm discomfort.

As the Rangers continue their successful campaign with a 39-20 record, the team’s best start since 2016, they now face the challenge of maintaining their momentum without their star pitcher.

Reflecting on his recent experiences, deGrom said, “I’d have days where I’d feel really good, days where I didn’t feel great. So I was kind of riding a roller coaster there for a little bit.” He expressed hope that the inflammation would subside after the initial MRI, but unfortunately, that was not the case.

DeGrom, who spent his first nine seasons with the Mets, faced multiple setbacks due to injuries in recent years, limiting his playing time. In 2021, he had an outstanding season, boasting a career-low 1.08 ERA over 92 innings. However, his year was cut short due

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• MLB Official Website
• AP MLB News
• Texas Rangers Official Website
• Jacob deGrom Player Profile
• Tommy John Surgery Overview