The New York Mets added a big piece to the playoff contention puzzle, acquiring Javier Baez on Friday, but lost an even bigger piece later in the day when they learned star right-handed pitcher Jacob deGrom would miss at least another month.
Mets general manager Zack Scott told reporters Friday that deGrom has inflammation in his pitching elbow, but that there is no ligament damage.
A report from MLB.com said deGrom, the heavy favorite for the National League Cy Young Award, suffered further inflammation in his right arm after a Thursday bullpen session.
The outlet reported the session was “light” but that deGrom tested his arm toward the end with a 98 mph fastball, according to a source.
“He ramped it up, he wanted to get a feel. It was a light side until maybe the last four pitches when he wanted to feel strength behind the ball,” Mets manager Luis Rojas told reporters on Friday, prior to the announcement of deGrom being shut down.
The Mets’ plan is to stall deGrom’s throwing for two weeks and then restarting the preparation for his return to the mound. The timeframe is expected to stretch into September.
The Mets had placed deGrom on the injured list for the second time this season when the ace reported forearm stiffness coming out of the All-Star break.
In a dominant season, deGrom carries a 1.08 ERA in 15 starts with 146 strikeouts in 92 innings.
–Field Level Media