Jacob deGrom to Have Tommy John Surgery

By Nate Miller

Photo by Ben Ludeman/Texas Rangers/Getty Images

June 6, 2023

Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom will undergo Tommy John surgery, putting an end to his 2023 season. The news was first reported by Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. deGrom is having the surgery to repair a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament. Full extent of surgery will be determined once Dr Keith Meister gets inside of the elbow.

Rangers Next Move

The procedure will sideline deGrom for at least 12 months. This is obviously a big blow to the Rangers. It is yet to be seen whether they will make a move for another starting pitcher. Promoting from within the organization is also an option. deGrom addressed the media at Globe Life Field prior to the Rangers’ middle game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

deGrom, fighting through tears, said, “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.” Rangers general manager Chris Young also met with reporters on Tuesday to discuss the matter. He said, “We have gone backwards. The MRI revealed damage that was significant. I’m glad we have clarity. Everyone being in the dark was not good. Now we have a course of action, and we will attack it.” The surgery will take place next week.

Struggling to Stay Healthy

This will extend deGrom’s long stretch of seasons interrupted by injuries to four. deGrom pitched only 92 innings in 2021 with the New York Mets, when he was shut down due to tightness in his right forearm. He threw 64 innings last season due to a stress reaction in his right scapula. deGrom has pitched 30 1/3 innings in six starts this season for the Rangers after signing a five-year, $185 million contract in November.

If a full Tommy John surgery is required, it will be the second of deGrom’s career. He had the first in 2011, less than a year after the Mets picked him in the ninth round of that year’s draft. The Rangers do not have insurance on deGrom’s contract for this year because his recent injury history made it too much of a risk. A significant injury this season is only going to further complicate that possibility. The Rangers have four more years on deGrom’s deal with $155 million guaranteed remaining.