The New York Mets have been hoping that Jacob deGrom would be their ace in the hole. As the NL East has suddenly turned into a three team dogfight, the Mets were hoping that deGrom would return and be a difference maker. However, he had been shut down for an undetermined amount of time as his arm continued to act up.
On Friday, the Mets were able to establish a time frame for when they expect deGrom to begin throwing once again. However, that time frame does not give much hope for a return in 2021.
Jacob deGrom is shut down from throwing for two more weeks. He went to Los Angeles to receive more opinions on his arm inflammation and “he is improving,” per Luis Rojas.
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) August 13, 2021
New York Mets hopes for Jacob deGrom fading
At least the Mets did get some positive news out of that. deGrom does not have any ligament damage in his elbow, and the inflammation is decreasing. Nonetheless, the two week timeline puts his beginning to throw back to the end of August.
Even beginning the throwing program would not be nearly enough. He would need to advance to facing hitters, throwing batting practice and sim games. deGrom would likely need a rehab appearance or two as well to build back up. With Noah Syndergaard expected to return to the Mets as a reliever, they could have deGrom pitch shorter outings with Syndergaard following in a tandem role.
But this is entirely contingent on deGrom being able to get through such a program without any setbacks. If he needs to be shut down for even an additional week, he might not be able to return in time to make a difference. Likewise, if the Mets fade from postseason contention, it would not be worth bringing deGrom back.
This will need to be determined as time goes on. The Mets need a spark, especially on their pitching staff. The return of Syndergaard will help, but they still need their undisputed ace, even if it is in a limited role.
The New York Mets are starting to get an idea as to when Jacob deGrom could return. The window is closing on him very quickly.