The Texas Rangers have relied heavily on Jacob deGrom’s impressive comeback with Texas Rangers this season as they try to regain footing in the competitive AL West. Despite expectations of being contenders, the team has struggled offensively and currently sits four games behind in the division, hovering just below .500. DeGrom’s dominant pitching, however, has been a crucial factor in keeping them in the race.
The Rangers’ struggles and deGrom’s vital role on the mound
While the Rangers’ offense has yet to live up to its potential, the pitching staff has stepped up, led by deGrom’s outstanding performances. His catcher, Kyle Higashioka, described the experience of catching deGrom’s pitches as almost surreal, saying,
“It’s almost like catching a video game. Just put the glove up there and that’s where the ball goes and it’s like 100 mph. He’s incredible.”
—Kyle Higashioka, catcher
After a prolonged period of injuries that kept him off the mound for much of the past two years, deGrom has returned to form reminiscent of his days as a perennial Cy Young Award contender. His current stats underline his impact: a 4-1 win-loss record, a 2.33 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched. These numbers make him a strong candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year award.
Manager Bruce Bochy expressed his excitement about deGrom’s resurgence, emphasizing the relief of seeing the ace back in action:
“I’m just really happy for him. I know he was getting tired of sitting on the sidelines. And now he’s back healthy. It’s exciting to see one of the best pitchers ever back in the game.”
—Bruce Bochy, Texas Rangers manager
Jacob deGrom reflects on his return after injury setbacks
Coming back from nearly three years of injuries while entering his late 30s posed significant doubts for deGrom’s future in baseball. Last year, he was unsure if he would ever pitch again, but he made several appearances late in a disappointing season. Now back as a key player for the Rangers, deGrom shared his mindset through USA Today:
“You can’t live with the what-ifs. I never really thought about it, because every time I took the ball, the goal was to win. I still take it that way. I was younger at that time and felt like I could do it. Now it’s trying to be smart and continue pitching for quite a while.”
—Jacob deGrom, pitcher
He emphasized that maintaining the right mental approach was essential during his recovery and return. DeGrom has always possessed a relentless desire to compete and pitch as often as possible, often feeling like a letdown when sidelined. Despite the challenging stretch, his determination has fueled a remarkable comeback.
DeGrom’s impact on the Rangers’ future outlook
With the Texas Rangers still seeking to improve their offense, deGrom’s steady presence on the mound offers hope and stability. His ability to perform at an elite level despite past injuries adds momentum to the team’s efforts to climb back into contention. As the season progresses, his health and continued dominance may prove pivotal in the Rangers’ pursuit of a postseason berth. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if deGrom can sustain this “video game”-like performance while leading Texas into the playoffs.