Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom’s debut is coming soon as the former Cy Young Award winner said he feels ready to begin his rehab assignment.

“My arm feels great except now it’s just been, what, how many months? Fourteen? You’ve got your guys in there. You go face other guys, and I think that’ll help a little bit,” said deGrom.

Before the season began, there were hopes the Rangers would be in the thick of the playoff race and deGrom’s return could help push them over the top as they compete for another World Series title.

However, the Rangers have 36 games remaining and are 11 games out of first place in the American League West with a 58-68, so why is it important that deGrom pitch this season?

“Get out there this year and kinda treat it like a normal offseason and get ready for next year. So it’s important to get out there and do that this year,” said deGrom.

Manager Bruce Bochy said pitching again this season can help deGrom know that he’ll be ready to go next season and said he would be starting rehab soon.

“I think for him, yeah, I think it would be important to get out there. He’s missed a lot of time, he’s an athlete, he’s a pitcher, he wants to compete,” said Bochy, “You go down such a long road to getting back in shape and get ready to go he’s pretty close now, sure, I think it would mean a lot to him as he goes into the offseason.”

DeGrom signed a five-year $185 million contract prior to the 2023 season that was cut short because of injury. Despite his injuries, the Rangers won the franchise’s first World Series title.

The Rangers are playing the Pirates in a there-game series at Globe Life Field.