Just How Unusual Was Jacob DeGrom’s Poor Outing?

Saturday’s game against the Athletics immediately trended in the right direction when the Mets’ handed Jacob deGrom a three-run lead before he threw a pitch. The Mets’ ace had the perfect conditions to dominate, facing the worst team in MLB while pitching in daylight. Things, however, did not work out that way for deGrom, as he was ambushed by the Athletics and allowed four runs in the first inning.

DeGrom would not be able to bounce back after that first inning, as he finished the day with five earned runs, four walks, and five strikeouts across four innings. It was the first start of deGrom’s career where he allowed four earned runs in the first inning and the most runs deGrom has allowed in a start since May 2019. It has now been three consecutive starts where deGrom has looked subpar. Over his last 15 innings, deGrom has allowed three home runs and pitched to an ERA of 6.60.

The first inning was a peculiar one for the two-time Cy Young winner due to his usual dominance at the beginning of games. Before Saturday, deGrom pitched to an ERA of 2.07 in the first inning and held opponents to an on-base percentage (OBP) of .249. The Athletics defied the odds in the top of the first, recording two walks, three hits, and four runs.

By allowing five earned runs to the Athletics, deGrom’s 40-game streak of quality starts ended. Over those 40 starts, deGrom pitched to an ERA of 1.64, while striking out 13.8 batters per nine innings. It was also the first start since May 2019 that deGrom allowed five earned runs.

While Jacob struggled on Saturday, it is important to remember that this start was a statistical anomaly. The Mets’ ace owns a 36-13 record and 2.20 ERA in day games for his career. DeGrom has also only allowed five earned runs or more in 17 of his 208 career starts.

The Mets’ ace will get a chance to get on the right foot next Friday against the Atlanta Braves. The Mets will need him to pitch to the back of his baseball card, as the Braves continue to push the Mets for first place. With the division only separated by 1.5 games, it will likely come down to that huge three-game series. One deGrom will be right at the center of.