Texas Rangers: Reliever Jake Diekman Nearing Return From DL

The Rangers have struggled to play consistency over the last few weeks. Luckily for them they have reinforcements on the way in the form of lefty relief pitcher Jake Diekman. When exactly should the Rangers expect him to return?

The good news is that reliever Jake Diekman is back with the Texas Rangers. He is reportedly throwing daily before each game and should be throwing off a mound in the next couple of days.

Diekman is still recovering from three operations to address issues with ulcerative colitis. He’s not 100 percent yet, but there’s a strong chance Diekman will be able to return and help the Rangers bullpen in the second half of the season.

According to T.R. Sullivan, Diekman had this to say about his recovery.

"“Good. … I feel good,” Diekman said. “My arm feels alive. I can’t really go full out until July 19, so [on July 20], I want to throw a bullpen [session]. I went out to 110 feet today and feel really good.”"

The final surgery was on June 9, and all Diekman needs to do now is recover. These operations will hopefully relieve a problem Diekman has been dealing with since he was 10 years old. T.R. Sullivan, spoke with Diekman about his recovery process and what he’s been doing.

"“I feel a lot better,” Diekman said. “We add like a food a day, one different food each day to see how it settles and if it screws up my system or not. I tried peanut butter yesterday and that went great. Today we tried ground turkey.” “I feel good,” Diekman said. “I’m just happy it’s all over. The whole motor in my belly … that’s the hardest part, getting used to what I can and can not eat.”"

It sounds like Diekman won’t be able to go hard on his throwing until late July. He will likely need a few rehab games as well before joining the Rangers. Expect both Jake Diekman and starter Chi Chi Gonzalez to be ready to join the MLB roster in early August.

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Having Diekman for late inning situations could be crucial for the Rangers. His absence has hurt the bullpen, but it might not be too late. Gonzalez should be able to fill in as a long relief option once he’s healthy.

Help is on the way, the Rangers just need to stay patient and keep playing hard. It’s not over yet, and reinforcements are on their way to Arlington.