Jacob deGrom on Verge of Texas Rangers Return

Jacob deGrom returns to the Texas Rangers on Monday after being home with his family in Florida for the birth of his child.

Once the ace is back in the Arlington, the club will determine the next steps in his injury return timetable. deGrom has been out for more than a month.

“We’ll get him back Monday, kind of evaluate where he is, what he’s been able to do over the last few days, and what the next steps are and go from there,” Young said, according to the Associated Press.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner left the team after the recent road trip ended Wednesday at the Detroit Tigers. The Rangers are expected to do further testing on his right arm, including a scan.

Next steps could include another bullpen session, throw to live batters in a practice situation, begin a rehab assignment with a Rangers affiliate or even work as an “opener” to build up arm strength and pitch count.

While it’s obvious the Rangers want deGrom back, being with his family was also important to the franchise.

“I’m really happy for him and his wife and his kiddos,” Young said. “It’s an exciting time and I know Jacob wears the stress of this, he really wants to be out there as much as anybody.

“I talked to him before he went home and just said, ‘Hey, relax and enjoy this time. It’s the most important part. You don’t get these moments back. Go enjoy it and we’ll figure out the baseball part when you get back.’”

The last start for deGrom was April 29 against the New York Yankees, as he left after four innings. A subsequent MRI exam revealed right elbow inflammation.

The American League West-leading Rangers are taking the cautions approach with deGrom. He’s already had a few minor injury scares since joining the club, including getting shut down early in Spring Training and leaving two starts early.

The Rangers (38-20) concluded a series sweep of the Seattle Mariners with a 12-3 victory Sunday afternoon. Texas opens a three-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.

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