ROUND ROCK -- Jacob deGrom's return to the big league mound is closer than ever. The Rangers' ace had reconstructive surgery on his right UCL in June 2023 and has been working his way back ever since.

On Sunday, deGrom made his third rehab start, returning to Triple-A Round Rock for the series finale against Oklahoma City. It was a rather uneventful outing for the right-hander, who tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk, but striking out five. The plan was for him to throw about 45 pitches or three innings. He ultimately threw 43 in 2 2/3 innings.

deGrom threw 18 fastballs and 18 sliders, while mixing in a few changeups to round out his day. His fastball velocity was down just a tick, but it averaged 97.8 mph and peaked at 99.7 mph.

deGrom made his first rehab start on Aug. 22 with Double-A Frisco, giving up a run on two hits in two innings. He threw 29 pitches (21 strikes) and struck out three. In his second start -- this one at Round Rock -- he tossed two perfect innings against Oklahoma City on Aug. 27.

As of now, the plan is for deGrom to pitch at Double-A Frisco on Saturday, Sept. 7.

“And then I think he’ll be ready to join us,” said manager Bruce Bochy.

If all goes well, deGrom will likely rejoin the Rangers' rotation during the West Coast road trip between Arizona and Seattle from Sept. 10-15.

“I don't want to put us in a bad spot where the bullpen is covering a bunch of innings,” deGrom said after his second rehab appearance. “So I want to try to build up. Those guys, they've done a lot, so try not to have them cover too many innings.”