The entire baseball universe is in shock after the Texas Rangers announced on Tuesday that Jacob deGrom will undergo elbow reconstructive surgery, the dreaded “Tommy John”.
The pitcher appeared to have turned a corner in his rehab from right elbow inflammation a few days ago and had even started his throwing program with an eye on returning soon.
So much for that.
He is now looking at a 2025 return; with an outside chance of making it back late in 2024.
Those who know him have praised his competitive nature and determination, and are sure he will be back stronger than ever.
One of them is current New York Mets ace Justin Verlander.
The Mets signed Verlander, in fact, as a deGrom replacement, as the latter took a large offer from the Rangers.
Verlander, a former Cy Young award winner like deGrom, is definitely a fan and wishes him a smooth recovery.
“Justin Verlander on Jacob deGrom: ‘Anybody who’s a fan of baseball just wants to see Jake be healthy and go pitch. A few years ago, you were bale to see what he can do, stringing together a few healthy seasons. Everybody would love to see that again, including me. He’s special,’” Mets insider Tim Healey tweeted after a chat with Verlander.
Justin Verlander on Jacob deGrom: “Anybody who’s a fan of baseball just wants to see Jake be healthy and go pitch. A few years ago, you were bale to see what he can do, stringing together a few healthy seasons. Everybody would love to see that again, including me. He’s special.”
—Tim Healey (@timbhealey) June 6, 2023
As fans often say, game recognizes game.
Verlander makes a very good point: we were all able to witness what deGrom could do when he did string together a few healthy seasons.
He won Cy Young awards in 2018 and 2019 and had a 1.08 ERA in 2021.
He is one of the best to ever do it, and the entire baseball world wishes him a full, smooth recovery.
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