Mets ace Jacob deGrom, who has yet to pitch this season and is on the mend from a stress reaction in his right scapula, underwent his latest follow-up MRI yesterday, the team announced. They issued the following statement in the wake of this latest test:
“He underwent follow-up imaging yesterday that revealed continued healing in the scapula. He will continue to build distance and velocity in his throwing program, and we will provide an update on his progress when appropriate.”
On the one hand, it’s somewhat encouraging that there’s been no setback and deGrom ostensibly appears to be progressing toward a return. On the other, it’s surely frustrating for all parties that there’s no clear indication as to when deGrom might get back on the mound at Citi Field. MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo wrote last night, after speaking to pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, that deGrom would require between three and five minor league rehab starts.
Of course, given the vague nature of the Mets’ statement, it’s not clear just when that minor league rehab work might begin. The Mets indicated that deGrom is still throwing, but the standard progression would be to go from flat ground, to mound work, to facing live hitters before jumping into a rehab game — with rest days smattered throughout that process. If deGrom is indeed slated for five rehab appearances, that could tack upwards of four weeks onto the process. Inferring a bit, it’s hard to see him back before mid-to-late June at this point, but the Mets have rather deliberately avoided making any definitive statements.
“We don’t want to mess around with reinjuring that type of situation, because then he’s done for the year,” Hefner told DiComo yesterday. “So we’re definitely going to play the long game with him to make sure that we have him for the rest of the season.”
Looking purely at the standings, no one would be able to tell that the Mets have been missing the game’s best pitcher this season. Their 23-13 record already gives them a hefty 5.5-game lead over the second-place Phillies in the National League East, to say nothing of the game’s third best winning percentage (.639, trailing only the Dodgers and Yankees). The Mets have received seven starts apiece from Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, Carlos Carrasco and Tylor Megill, and that quartet has combined for an outstanding 3.22 ERA in 162 innings. Taijuan Walker (four starts) and David Peterson (three) have also been excellent in their opportunities thus far.
On the whole, Mets starters rank sixth in the Majors in ERA — even without deGrom. They’re also ranked third in FIP and fifth in SIERA, in addition to possessing the seventh-best strikeout rate and second-lowest walk rate of any team in baseball. Given the group’s collective dominance, the Mets can afford to take a more cautious approach with deGrom. That may well have been the team’s approach regardless, but an outstanding rotation and comfortable first-place lead certainly quell any temptation to push deGrom that might crop up in a more tightly contested division and/or with broad-reaching struggles from alternative rotation options.
So his arm is still healing.
Yes. The cliff notes version.
What a nothing burger.
“He underwent follow-up imaging yesterday that revealed continued healing in the scapula.”
If he was on the Yankees, they would say,
“He went to the big building with windows for the magic machine that showed his booboo has gotten less owie.” – Dr. Boonedoggle
I thought it was Dr Rumack.
In consultation with (Check It Out! with) Dr. Steve Brule.
Idk why this is so funny but it is
Part of the new group of MIA’s, what a damn shame
We need these guys for BB
DeGrom is DeGone.
You’re deDumb
Maybe so, but probably (and unfortunately) closer to reality than not.
Well I think that’s wishful thinking on your pathetic part.
deGrom, Syndergaard, Conforto, the last of what remained from the 2015 World Series team either gone or out hurt, and the Mets are flourishing. Gardner, the last remaining member of the 2009 World Series team gone and the Yankees are flourishing. Maybe ‘turning the page’ is good. Instead of having someone in the clubhouse to ask about the New York memories, both teams are creating their own.
You’re absolutely right, Wampum.
I can’t believe there are 5 idiots who believe your nonsense. Sad how many people on this site are garbage at knowing baseball
There’s a high volume of low-IQ Braves/Marlins mouth-breathers on this site. They need something to do when they’re waiting for their mom to microwave their Hungry Man Dinners in their trailer.
It’s almost unfair to have DeGrom, Max and Bassitt as your 1, 2, 3 in the playoffs… So kind of thinking that this is the opportunity some clubs in the NL East really should be utilizing better than they have so far. As for the actual news… I mean, it’s what they said, so reporting is good, just that the Mets’ comments really don’t say anything at all. But then again, why should they actually reveal their hand?
imagine if megill goes back to pre injury form …. having to choose as your 4th between megill cookie walker and peterson (probably be my order) and what do you do with the rest in cookie and walker with peterson being in the minors if all healthy.
For a 7 game series, Cookie – based on his seniority. Plus Megill in the pen as a multi-inning reliever. No spot for Peterson. Maybe keep Walker on the roster as an emergency starter.
the only reason i think peterson might be on the roster is he is a lefty … we have shreve and joely …. not sure if i would trust the latter in the playoffs but agree with what you said.
Dodgers had Buchler, Max, Urias, Kershaw…and didn’t make the WS. And the offense was better, too.
If the team with the best players always won, there wouldn’t be much of a point in playing. Certainly helped LA win alot of games last year, but in the end, there are plenty of WS winners that were not the best teams on paper, some, not even close. The Dodgers are a good case in point, they should not have been able to beat the Mets and definitely not the A’s in 88 ….but they did.
This is goodish. Obviously, the results could be better. But, I’d take him back at the beginning of August if it meant he’d be healthy for the rest of the season.
The NL East is awful. Let deGrom rest fully, ease him back slowly, and breeze into the playoffs with 3 aces.
It’s not as if he’ll be an automatic ace if and when he returns. One would have to lean toward yes but you’re looking at a guy, if he returns in September or so, who hasn’t pitched in a year or more. That’s a big ask.
A big ask, but I think the point being made is if anyone can do it, it’s him. Even if he’s a couple of ticks lower, he’s still wicked and better than most.
Was this copied from a 2021 post?
Would be fun for deGrom to return in late august as a shutdown closer. Eventually get the last out of the WS. Wishful, if a bit unrealistic thinking.
He’s not coming back as a closer.
Also, have you watched Diaz this year? He’s must watch tv. The entrance song trumpets. The nasty stuff. He’s off the charts.
Nothing wrong with two shutdown guys at the backend of the pen. Plus, I did mention that it was unrealistic.
record shows what we already know – deGrom is a jinx
Nice to see “fans” laying out the playoff rotation in May. Unfortunately, the season lasts for a tad while longer. Might be a bit premature, ya think?
I believe the word “imagine” qualified the convo as one of the “what if” variety.
It’s fun to be a fan, don’t let your miserable life ruin it for the rest of us.
9 years of Buck in Baltimore. Miss him.
Not just a “players coach” but a “coaches coach” as well. Trusts and respects his staff. Let’s Coach Hefner speak on behalf of the club here. Class. O’s fan for life but am enjoying following you guys. Best to you this season.
The fans love Hefner.
He can pitch on the 7th game of the World Series this year, still a ring-promised guaranteed win