A multi-time Cy Young Award winner faces a grim outlook. After the Texas Rangers placed their prized free-agent acquisition this off-season on the 60-day IL on Monday, news emerged on Tuesday that Jacob deGrom would need Tommy John Surgery.
“Jacob deGrom will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament,” longtime Rangers reporter Evan Grant tweeted.
Jacob deGrom will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament. Story forthcoming
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) June 6, 2023
Grant later spoke to deGrom, who battled through tears after he learned of the news. “This stinks,” deGrom said. “It’s not ideal. But at least we know what it is now. I want to get it fixed and will set a goal to be back before the end of next year.” Grant later added that the ace will undergo surgery sometime next week.
deGrom through tears: "This stinks. It's not ideal. But at least we know what it is now. I want to get it fixed and will set a goal to be back before the end of next year.:"
He will undergo surgery next week
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) June 6, 2023
It’s a tough blow for both the first-place Rangers and for deGrom. He left the New York Mets after an illustrious career in Flushing and hoped to add another dimension to the ball club, which had spent a lot of money on players the last two seasons. It’s paid off for Texas, as they lead the American League West Division. But now, the Rangers and deGrom both know that he will not be around for the rest of the season. Which is obviously a tough pill for both to swallow.
This may have ramifications on deGrom and his contract as well. As Ken Rosenthal wrote in The Athletic, insurance provisions were written into his lucrative contract. If deGrom had TJS between 2023-26 on his right elbow or had an injury that took him out for an extended absence (130 consecutive, 186 days in a row in any period), then the option will turn into the Rangers’ option.
With the news Jacob deGrom will undergo surgery to repair the UCL in his right elbow, per @Evan_P_Grant, scroll down in my May 10 notes column for background on how it affects him contractually and the Rangers’ lack of insurance on his five-year, $185M deal.…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 6, 2023
Wishing the best and a speedy recovery to Jacob deGrom.
