Earlier it was announced that ace Jacob deGrom would be the game-one starter in today’s doubleheader against the Nationals.
This will be the right handers final start of this strange season, with his continued dominance being one of the few spots of normalcy in 2020.
To make Degroms’ final start even more enticing, he will be met by a familiar foe in Nats’ star hurler Max Scherzer.
And although the Mets season is all but assured to be over tomorrow, deGroms’ fight for a third-straight Cy Young award is still alive.
Thanks to a tremendous season by Reds’ ace Trevor Bauer (future Met in 2021 lets hope), deGroms’ chances of a three-peat are slim, but one last dominant start certainly wouldn’t hurt his case.
DeGrom currently trails Bauer in ERA (2.14 to 1.73), innings pitched (63 to 73), and strikeouts (94 to 100).
DeGrom could certainly pass Bauer in strikeouts after tonights outing, but the combination of Bauers’ other numbers and the Reds’ playoff chances will most likely deny a deGrom three-peat.
Although another Cy Young would further solidify his Hall Of Fame credentials, there is still little doubt that deGrom is still the best pitch in the National League, if not the whole sport.
It’s been a privilege to watch him get to this point, and I look forward to get to watch him toe the rubber for one last time in 2020.
