Next Steps for Injured Texas Rangers Ace Jacob deGrom

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy provided a clearer timeline for Jacob deGrom's return, along with what needs to happen next.

One week down, two weeks to go for Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom? That’s how manager Bruce Bochy sees it.

Bochy talked with ESPN’s Baseball Tonight podcast on Thursday and indicated that deGrom may need two more weeks before he’s ready to return to the field.

"He hasn't started throwing yet, but he feels great," Bochy said. "We're in probably that three-week area and we're almost a week into that now."

If that’s the case, then deGrom would not be ready to return when he’s eligible to come off the 15-day injured list on May 14.

That obviously could change. The Dallas Morning News reported on Wednesday that the next step in deGrom’s recovery is to play catch and that could start on the upcoming road trip, which starts Friday at the Los Angeles Angels.

deGrom went on the 15-day injured list during after Friday’s start against the New York Yankees with right forearm tightness. That came two starts after deGrom left a game at the Kansas City Royals early on April 17 with a wrist issue.

deGrom was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation and put on a treatment plan. It’s not clear when he would start throwing on this road trip.

The Rangers have been incredibly cautions with deGrom since signing him to a five-year, $185 million deal in the offseason. deGrom reported to Spring Training with left side tightness and the Rangers immediately shut him down for four days as a precaution.

The American League West-leading Rangers (18-12) have not named a starting pitcher for the opener with the Angels. Friday would have been deGrom’s spot in the rotation.

Bochy does have options, with long relievers Dane Dunning or Cole Ragans stretched out. They could also start either Nathan Eovaldi or Martín Pérez on normal rest due to being off Thursday.

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