When Will Jacob deGrom Return and Be Back? Fantasy Baseball Injury Update

July 28, 2024

When will Jacob deGrom return and play? Will Jacob deGrom play this season? Read the latest fantasy baseball Jacob deGrom injury updates and return date for Week 19 of the 2024 MLB season.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom hasn't played a single game yet this season as he is recovering from Tommy John surgery that he had last year. The 36-year-old ace signed a five-year $185 million contract with the Rangers prior to last season, but so far, the elbow injury has limited him to only six appearances for the team.

Fortunately for deGrom and the Rangers, the pitcher is tracking toward playing this season. This is great for the Rangers, as they are currently 51-54 and can clinch a Wild Card spot to make the playoffs.

However, for that to happen, many things have to go in their favor, including a timely return for one of the best pitchers in the world. What's the latest on the former New York Mets star? When is he expected to play this year? Let's take a look at deGrom's injury update.

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Jacob deGrom Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball

As per reports, Jacob deGrom is traveling with the Texas Rangers to St. Louis and will have two bullpen sessions before he officially starts his rehab assignment. The expectation is that the two-time Cy Young winner will make his season debut in August.

The reigning World Series champions didn't have a great start to the season but have bounced back well. If they get deGrom back in time, the AL West club can certainly be a tough team to beat in the postseason if they can qualify for it. Hopefully, the Rangers will make some moves at the trade deadline to further bolster their team.

Jacob deGrom will be with the Rangers in St. Louis. The plan is for him to throw two more bullpens before he faces hitters, according to Bruce Bochy.

— Shawn McFarland (@McFarland_Shawn) July 27, 2024

deGrom is arguably the best pitcher in the world when he is healthy, but injuries have been a hindrance throughout his career. He hasn't played more than 15 games in a year since 2018, but the Rangers will hope that the Stetson product could stay healthy for a long stretch once he's back.

Jacob deGrom Fantasy Baseball Outlook

As mentioned above, Jacob deGrom played only six games for the Rangers last season before he suffered an elbow injury. In those six games, he had a 2-0 record with an ERA of 2.67 and recorded 45 strikeouts.

He gave up a total of 19 hits while averaging 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings (Ks/9) and just 0.758 walks and hits per inning pitched (WHIP). deGrom has always been a fan favorite among fantasy baseball players, but for this year, don't expect much from him.

JACOB DEGROM IS GETTING CLOSER TO A POTENTIAL RETURN 👀 pic.twitter.com/AxjmkPwYhP

— Dallas Nation (@TheDallasNation) July 19, 2024

The Rangers won't rush deGrom back, and once he's back, expect the club to limit his workload. The managers who have the Rangers star on their dynasty league teams will hope that the pitcher just doesn't get hurt again.

As for the Rangers, they will soon have a starting rotation led by Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Nathan Eovaldi, which is quite enticing. If their offense steps up to close out the regular season, the AL West team is capable enough to beat any team in the playoffs this year.

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