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New York Mets: Jacob deGrom injury leaves NL East wide open

By David Hill

Jul 7, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) walks off the field after pitching the top of the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) walks off the field after pitching the top of the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Mets lead the National League East due to their pitching. The top three in their rotation – Jacob deGrom, Taijuan Walker, and Marcus Stroman – have essentially kept the Mets atop the division despite a rash of injuries that have decimated their lineup. However, deGrom has battled nagging injuries throughout the past few weeks, leaving starts early and having a brief stint on the Injured List.

This time, deGrom seems destined for a longer stay on the sidelines. He is heading back to the IL with tightness in his forearm, and will not throw again until that subsides.

Jacob deGrom injury keeps New York Mets from running off with NL East

deGrom has clearly been the best pitcher in the game this season, the front runner for not only the NL Cy Young award, but the MVP as well. He has posted a 1.08 ERA and a 0.554 WHiP in his 92 innings, striking out 146 batters with 11 walks. deGrom leads the NL in strikeouts, and the majors in ERA, FIP, WHiP, H/9, BB/9, K/9, and K/BB.

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Meanwhile, the Mets hold a mere 2.5 game lead in the NL East. Although the Phillies are the only other team in the division that is even .500 at this point, everyone is within eight games of each other, including the 40-51 Marlins. The division is ripe for the taking.

This is something that other teams in the NL East are well aware of. The Braves have already begun their deadline shopping, adding Joc Pederson and Stephen Vogt to fill out their roster. Philadelphia is looking to improve their bullpen yet again. The Nationals have been looking for a third baseman and are reportedly targeting Kris Bryant. Any of those teams could go on a run and catch the Mets.

Hopefully, deGrom will not be sidelined for long. He is in the midst of what would be a historic season, one that would be one of the best ever seen in the majors. However, his ongoing injury woes over the past few weeks are threatening to ruin not only his impressive run, but the Mets postseason aspirations.

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The New York Mets have placed Jacob deGrom on the Injured List once again. His injury issues are giving the rest of the NL East hope that they can contend.

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