The ink hadn’t dried on all the positive notes about the Javy Baez trade when a much-too-often dose of negativity struck the New York Mets on Friday. Ace Jacob deGrom has suffered a setback in his rehab—some additional inflammation in his right arm–and will not throw for at least two weeks. The news was reported first by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com
The two-time Cy Young Award winner has had a difficult time of late staying on the field. In May, he missed several starts because of right side tightness then dealt with right flexor tendinitis in June. He then skipped the All-Star Game before tightness in his right forearm caused him to land on the IL on July 18.
Jake threw what was described an excellent bullpen session on Thursday, before not throwing at all Friday. An MRI on Friday revealed additional inflammation that spread to his right elbow. He is expected to be out until September at the earliest.
The 33-year old star righthander has been stellar on the mound in 2021. He has pitched to an otherworldly 1.08 ERA with a 0.55 WHIP and 146 strikeouts in 15 starts. The question now becomes if Jake does comeback, will he have pitched enough innings to qualify for post-season awards.
As far as the NL East, the teams have certainly underperformed for the most part this year. The Mets have stayed in first place while playing around .500 ball in deGrom’s absence. There is no reason why the Mets can’t still lead the pack going forward, but the path has certainly gotten tougher.
