ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers' bright season took a bit of a hit on Tuesday afternoon.
General manager Chris Young said that ace Jacob deGrom will need to undergo surgery to fix a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, ending his first season in Texas.
Tommy John surgery is often needed to fix a torn UCL, but Young and the Rangers didn't go as far as saying the pitcher would have that particular procedure.
“We’ve got a special group here and to not be able to be out there and help them win, that stinks,” deGrom said, with tears in his eyes and pausing several times. “Wanting to be out there and helping the team, it’s a disappointment.”
DeGrom's last start was on April 28, and he's been out since an MRI revealed inflammation in his right elbow. He was initially placed on the 15-day injured list.
“The results of that MRI show that we have not made progress. And in fact, we’ve identified some damage to the ligament,” Young said. “It’s obviously a tough blow for Jacob, for certainly the Rangers. But we do feel this is what is right for Jacob in his career. We’re confident he’ll make a full recovery.”
On Monday, the 34-year-old right-hander was transferred to the 60-day IL before it was reported that deGrom would need surgery in his elbow.
Along with the end of this season, the surgery also puts the start of the 2024 season in jeopardy for deGrom, as well.
The 34-year-old joined the Rangers from the New York Mets during the offseason in a blockbuster deal worth $185 million for five years.
The Associated Press reported that deGrom's contract includes conditions that address Tommy John surgery or a right elbow procedure.
Texas has a conditional option for 2028 that would be triggered if from 2023-26 deGrom has Tommy John surgery on his right elbow or has any right elbow or shoulder injury that causes him to be on the injured list for any period of 130 consecutive days during any season or 186 days in a row during any service period.
DeGrom made six starts for the Rangers in his first season, and the team went 6-0 in those starts. He finishes the season with a 2.67 ERA.
While their ace has been out, the Rangers, however, are continuing a season that has right now has them at the top of the AL West for a 39-20 record, which is also the second-best record in the league.