Jacob deGrom Shut Down Another Two Weeks Following Setback

Mets ace Jacob deGrom has suffered a setback in his rehab from a forearm issue, as recent testing revealed additional inflammation, MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo reports (Twitter link). He’ll be shut down from throwing entirely for another two weeks.

It’s already been more than three weeks since deGrom pitched in a game, so he’ll need some form of rehab assignment or buildup once he’s ready to begin throwing again. Given that, it’s hard to imagine him returning to a big-league mound for the Mets prior to September.

The Mets have a 3.5 game lead in the National League East. Neither the Braves nor Phillies – their closest competitors – made significant splashes at today’s deadline, though both clubs did add some pieces in an attempt to contend with New York. The Nationals and Marlins both sold pieces, and the Mets face that pair 11 times in the coming month.

In terms of their own deadline, the Mets clearly had their pitching depth in mind, though they weren’t able to make a significant addition to that end, and besides, no one can fill deGrom’s shoes. Carlos Carrasco is returning, however, and Trevor Williams was a fine pickup from the Cubs as a depth option (he was optioned to Triple-A). Still, the Mets’ viability as a contender would seem to hinge on deGrom’s long-term health.

Clearly, this will be a situation to monitor moving forward. The trade deadline has passed, so the Mets are what they are for the most part, but hopefully, another couple of weeks of rest will be enough to figure out how to get deGrom back on track and ready for the postseason push.