Rangers' Jacob deGrom: 'Arm Feels Great,' Ready for Rehab Assignment amid Injury

After being off the mound since June 2023, Texas Rangers star pitcher Jacob deGrom is nearing a return.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner faced live hitters for the third time on Saturday and said he feels ready for a rehab assignment soon, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN).

"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom said. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit."

DeGrom's rehab assignment would probably be with Double-A Frisco, according to the Associated Press, and manager Bruce Bochy is optimistic about his progress.

"It looks like Jacob's ready to go. We'll see how he comes out of this," Bochy said. "He'll be starting rehab here soon."

DeGrom, who signed with the Rangers ahead of the 2023 season on a five-year, $185 million contract, has made his six appearances for Texas. He had 45 strikeouts, a 2.67 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP in his limited action last season.

DeGrom underwent successful surgery last June to repair a torn UCL and has been working towards his comeback ever since. It was reported in June that he was aiming for an August return, but that date might have to be pushed back slightly depending on how well his rehab start goes.

Despite winning the World Series a year ago, a postseason appearance doesn't seem probable for the Rangers at this point. They currently sit in third place in the AL West at 56-67 and would need a miraculous finish to stay in position for a wild-card spot.

Texas' playoff chances dimming likely means it won't rush to get deGrom back on the mound and will instead focus on getting him healthy for 2025.