Jacob deGrom is set to make his highly anticipated return from Tommy John surgery this Friday in Seattle against the Mariners. After a grueling rehab process that saw him make four starts to test his readiness, the two-time Cy Young Award winner is finally gearing up to make his big league comeback. And it’s not just deGrom—Max Scherzer is also set to rejoin the rotation, with plans to start this Saturday. The anticipation is electric, as these two ace pitchers prepare to make their much-anticipated return to the diamond.

The Rangers’ season is about to get a serious boost, as fans get ready for this dynamic duo to hit the mound once again. It’ll be deGrom’s first big league start since April 28, 2023, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Jacob deGrom had to undergo surgery last June after just six starts with the Rangers during their World Series-winning season. His debut campaign in Arlington was cut short, but now, after signing that blockbuster five-year, $185 million deal in the 2022 offseason, he’s ready to come back stronger. Alongside deGrom, Max Scherzer will also be making his return, starting on Saturday.

“I’m very excited, it’s a fun week,” Kumar Rocker said to MLB.com, capturing the mood perfectly. Jacob deGrom wrapped up his rehab stint in style on Saturday with Double-A Frisco, tossing four scoreless innings where he allowed just one hit and racked up five strikeouts on 49 pitches. It was a dominant performance that had fans buzzing with anticipation for his big league return. deGrom wasn’t the only ace on the mend.Max Scherzer, who’s been on the IL since August 2 with right shoulder fatigue, also made a splash in his rehab outing. He dazzled with four hitless innings and struck out eight while pitching for Triple-A Round Rock.

The Rangers’ rotation is about to get a serious makeover as Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer make their grand returns, just as the team is hitting its stride. Despite a tough 6-0 loss to the D-backs at Chase Field on Tuesday, the Rangers have been on fire lately, winning 10 of their past 14 games. This dynamic duo is stepping in at a perfect time to bolster a rotation that’s been through the wringer. With the addition of deGrom, Scherzer, Eovaldi, Bradford, Leiter, Rocker, and Heaney, the Rangers now have a seven-deep arsenal of capable starters for the final stretch of the season.

It’s an enviable position to be in as they gear up for a playoff push. Jacob, who was brought to Texas to be the ace of the staff, is set to resume that role in Seattle. It’s been a long wait for him after watching from the sidelines as the Rangers clinched their first World Series title in 2023. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy hasn’t nailed down exactly how long deGrom or Scherzer will go in their respective starts. They announced that that former Vanderbilt standout and Texas Rangers pitching prospect Kumar Rocker is set to make his Major League debut this Thursday.

Jacob deGrom and others joining the Rangers can add an extra spark

The Rangers dropped the big news on social media Monday, and fans are already abuzz with anticipation: Rocker, known for his electric stuff and impressive college career, is finally stepping onto the big stage. It’s a moment that’s been eagerly awaited, and the debut of this rising star is sure to add an extra spark to the Rangers’ lineup. Kumar Rocker’s journey to the Major Leagues has been nothing short of thrilling. With a stellar 2.89 ERA over three seasons at Vanderbilt, he made a huge splash in college baseball. He was also named an All-American in 2021 and earned the College World Series Most Outstanding Player award in 2019.

And let’s not forget his unforgettable 19-strikeout no-hitter against Duke in a super regional elimination game—that performance alone had scouts and fans alike buzzing. In the 2021 MLB Draft, Rocker was selected 10th overall by the Mets, but a physical raised red flags, leading to a missed signing. Undeterred, Rocker had shoulder surgery that fall and pitched in an independent league, showcasing his resilience and determination. The Rangers took notice and, in a dramatic twist, drafted him again in 2022 with the No. 3 overall pick. Now, Rocker is ready to make his Major League debut, and the excitement is palpable.

With five minor league starts in 2022 and six more in 2023, Rocker faced a setback with an injury that required Tommy John surgery. But he wasn’t down for long—by July, he was back on the mound and delivering some jaw-dropping performances. He posted an astonishing 0.46 ERA in five Double-A starts and a stellar 1.80 ERA in two Triple-A outings. Despite the Rangers initially stating that Rocker wouldn’t see a call-up in 2024, they’ve had a change of heart. While the chances of another postseason run this year appear unlikely, a healthy deGrom and Scherzer to finish the year, paired with Rocker getting valuable big league experience during the final month of the regular season, provides reason for optimism going into 2025.

Will they be able to give the Rangers a postseason? Only time can tell.