Rangers' Jacob deGrom to Return from Injury, Make 2024 MLB Season Debut vs. Mariners

Texas Rangers star pitcher Jacob deGrom is set to make his 2024 season debut on Friday night.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner hasn't stepped on the mound in the majors since April 2023, as he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament that ultimately caused him to miss over a year.

The 36-year-old made four rehab starts before joining the Rangers in Arizona earlier this week for a series against the Diamondbacks.

He didn't show any signs of rust throughout his four minor-league appearances, with deGrom striking out 15 batters compared to just one walk in 10.2 innings of work. He also posted a 0.84 ERA.

The Rangers signed deGrom to a five-year, $185 million contract following the 2022 season. He was dominant on the mound throughout his first six starts in Texas, finishing with a 2-0 record to go along with a 2.67 ERA before he needed surgery.

The team was still able to succeed without the ace, defeating the Diamondbacks in the Fall Classic and capturing the first World Series victory in franchise history.

Texas' 2024 season has been marred by injuries, specifically to the team's rotation. The Rangers currently sit 7.5 games back from the final American League wild card spot, as their 4.33 ERA among starting pitchers ranks No. 21 among all MLB teams.

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer will also provide a boost to Texas' starting pitching, as he's currently set to start after deGrom in Saturday's matchup with the Mariners. Scherzer hasn't pitched since July 30 due to a shoulder issue.

The Rangers will look to make a last-ditch effort to secure a postseason berth with deGrom returning to action on Friday night, with the game starting at 10:10 p.m. ET.