Arizona Diamondbacks Drey Jameson is ready for February 12, 2025, to arrive. That is when the pitchers and catchers will report for workouts. Jameson will be ecstatic to return to the mound after Tommy John surgery. It will be the first time in almost 20 months that he will face live action.
Drey Jameson Prepped for Comeback with the Diamondbacks
Successful Surgery
For Jameson, it was a successful surgery, with his medical team completing a complete repair of the UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) in September 2023. The typical recovery time for that surgery is long, and he was told to trust the process. In July 2024, about 10 months after the surgery, he was able to throw a bullpen session with no complications. That September, he was throwing in 11 bullpen sessions and reported no issues or setbacks.
Multiple Starters
With the December signing of Corbin Burnes, the Diamondbacks have at least six starters. They have Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Ryne Nelson, Brandon Pfaadt, and Eduardo Rodriguez already set for starting roles. Subsequently, the chances of having Jameson compete for a starting job at this time appear to be non-existent.
Talented Young Arm
Arizona Diamondbacks Drey Jameson is ready. He is still considered one of their most talented young arms. And, he does have an opportunity to be an effective reliever option for the team. Having already used him in that capacity in the past, they are confident he can be a main contributor. Also, Manager Torey Lovullo was captivated by the way he was throwing in 2023, deciding to keep him as a reliever.
Being a Reliever
Getting a chance to be a reliever could benefit Jameson and the Diamondbacks bullpen. After last year’s late season collapse from some of the bullpen, he could be the pitcher that helps them. His slider is a swing-and-miss pitch, and his sinker, although considered average, has been able to get many groundball outs. His pre-surgery fastball was consistently in the 92 to 95 mph range. However, there are always questions regarding the health of his arm when a pitcher returns from major elbow surgery. That being said, his solid fastball and impressive off-speed pitches give him a chance to be the team’s multi-inning late-game reliever if his elbow can—and does—hold up,
Spring Training
Jameson will be brought along, with caution, during Spring Training. After an extended break from pitching in competitive games, the coaching staff allows him to get his arm in shape. They will, of course, work on his overall conditioning and look to see if any mechanical adjustments need to be made. New pitching coach Brian Kaplan, known for developing pitchers, will also have a plan for Jameson’s conditioning and strength.
Will get a Chance
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Drey Jameson is ready and will get a chance to earn a reliever role in their bullpen for 2025. His long-awaited return could add needed firepower to their bullpen. He might struggle early in his return; he and the team need to be patient. If Arizona is looking for a consistent closer and he is pitching well, Jameson could potentially be utilized as their high-leverage closer.
Main Photo Credits: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
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