Earlier this week, the New York Mets fired the alarms when their best pitcher, Jacob deGrom, reported some back tightness and had to leave an intrasquad game. After all, the team has already lost Noah Syndergaard for the season with Tommy John surgery and, in a shortened calendar, any trip to the injured list could take a sizable portion of the season for a player.
Fortunately, ever since he had to leave the Mets’ intrasquad action, the two-time Cy Young Award winner has progressed nicely and his condition has been improving, slowly but surely. Today, the hurler threw a successful bullpen session, which is another signal that he is advancing towards playing very soon.
Now, the New York Mets expect their ace to be ready for Opening Day, which is a week from now, if he continues to show improvement.
The Mets will have him pitch in a controlled environment
Rather than appearing in an exhibition game against the New York Yankees, which was the original plan, the Mets have decided to have deGrom throw a 50-60 pitch simulated game on Sunday, per Rotoworld.
They club seems to think that a controlled environment will be beneficial for his recovery, instead of throwing him right into the fire the same week he sustained the mild injury.
With the expectation that the Mets’ ace is going to be ready for Opening Day, his objective of winning a third straight Cy Young Award is still intact. A trip to the IL would virtually but those dreams to rest, as there is too much competition and too little time.
The talented righty will carry the New York Mets’ rotation in his shoulders, as the team tries to make a successful run to the postseason and beyond, something that couldn’t be possible last season despite a second-half push.