For Jacob deGrom and Mets fans, this feels like brutal deja vu. After throwing just 92 innings last year, deGrom was hoping to start 2021 healthy and led the Mets rotation alongside new teammate Max Scherzer, giving the Mets one of the most intimidating one-two punches in recent memory. Instead, the ace right-hander felt tightness in his right shoulder and will go for an MRI on Friday morning.
Jacob deGrom has a tight right shoulder, says Buck Showalter. He will likely be scratched from his scheduled start tomorrow and will likely go for tests.
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) April 1, 2022
deGrom was his amazing self at the beginning of 2021, compiling a 1.08 ERA and 146 strikeouts in those 92 innings across 92 starts. However, the problems began when he had irritation in his lat, which cost him a start in early May. He then had discomfort in his right side, which landed him on the IL, and then flexor tendinitis in his right (throwing) elbow. Most people thought he might be shut down then, but he surprisingly came back and started against the Cubs but was forced from that start early with shoulder soreness. He didn’t pitch again last year.
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In the offseason, deGrom made the decision to not get surgery, deciding to rest and rehab his way back to health. He also looked great this spring, routinely throwing in the upper-90s and making hitters look foolish. It was as if the old times were back.
Jacob deGrom, Wicked 91mph Slider…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/06VcyGHTAm
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 27, 2022
Unfortunately for the Mets, they will now hold their breath and wait for the results of the MRI. In the meantime, second-year pitcher Tylor Megill has a more secure role in the rotation after pitching to a .452 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 9.94 K/9 last year as a rookie. Despite the mediocre stats, Megill flashed good velocity and a plus changeup, which has people excited for his prospects this year. The Mets will also have a healthy Carlos Carrasco back to join Scherzer, Taijuan Walker, and new-addition Chris Bassitt in what is still a strong rotation.
But one that is clearly not the same if deGrom were to miss time.
