ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers star pitcher Jacob deGrom, six days after reconstructive surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, said Sunday morning that the hardest part is behind him. «That's when you're dreading going in and getting it done,» deGrom said in his first post-surgery comments to reporters before the Rangers hosted the Toronto Blue Jays. «Now it's over with. »It feels good.
Everything went well. I look forward to doing all the rehab stuff to get back out there." DeGrom, who will turn 35 on Monday, said his goal is to return in August 2024.
The typical recovery time after the operation is at least 12 to 14 months. The operation was performed by Dr. Keith Meister, a Rangers team physician and one of the most sought-after orthopedic surgeons in pro sports.
Texas signed deGrom to a $185 million, five-year deal in free agency last December when the right-hander was coming off two injury-filled seasons with the New York Mets.