Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
All signs are pointing towards Jacob deGrom avoiding any serious injury. After a throwing session on Thursday, deGrom long tossed and threw a 10-pitch bullpen session at Nationals Park on Friday.
The Mets’ ace is having a historic start to the season, leaving fans assuming a third Cy Young Award is on the way along with a shot at the first N.L. MVP Award in Mets history. Although he came out of each of his last two starts early, deGrom is currently staying on his between-start routine.
Luis Rojas told reporters that deGrom felt good after throwing his Friday side session and called today a very good day, but he is still approaching this on a day-to-day basis. DeGrom had a clean MRI after coming out of his start against the Cubs after three perfect innings. DeGrom would be lined up to pitch early next week against the Braves, but it remains to be seen if the Mets will decide play it safe with their top arm and have his start postponed.
With the starting pitcher for the second game of Saturday’s double header still in question, Jared Eickhoff and Yennsy Diaz are in Washington with the team as part of the Mets’ taxi squad. Eickhoff was scheduled to pitch Saturday with Syracuse.
Albert Almora Jr. has also joined the team in Washington, although he has not been activated. The Mets intend to activate him on Saturday, although it may not be until the second game of the double header. Almora Jr. went through a full baseball activities progression on Friday to make sure he is ready to go for Saturday.
In other injury related news, Brandon Nimmo might begin a rehab assignment next week, according to Rojas. Nimmo has not played since May 1 after suffering a small ligament tear near the base of his left index finger that was originally diagnosed as nerve damage.
After a terrific start to his season, Nimmo could return to the team by the end of June and be a big boost for a team that is starting to get close to their Opening Day roster.
