New York Mets: Jacob deGrom ties major league record

One could argue that New York Mets starter Jacob deGrom was not at his best on Tuesday.

deGrom had allowed three runs on four hits over six innings to a Cubs team that is going absolutely nowhere in the standings. Yes, he struck out ten, but he had left with the Mets trailing 3-0 since refusing to score during his outings is still a thing for New York.

New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom can set record in next outing

That outing was still good enough to tie a major league record. As noted by Anthony DiComo from MLB.com, his performance was his 39th consecutive start with three earned runs or fewer, tying former White Sox pitcher Jim Scott in 1913-14.

It is worth noting that this has nothing to do with quality starts. Framber Valdez had tied the record on Monday with his 24th consecutive quality start as he has allowed three earned runs or fewer while lasting at least six innings in each of them. deGrom, meanwhile, had lasted for fewer than six innings in nine of those 39 outings, including a two inning appearance on September 6, 2020 where he allowed three runs on four hits and a walk.

It is also worth noting the earned run stipulation. He had allowed four runs to the Marlins on August 31, 2020, but only one was earned. That is also the only start in this run where allowed more than three runs regardless of whether or not they were earned.

This streak has also lasted for much longer on the calendar than Scott’s. deGrom’s run started over four years ago on September 9, 2019 when he allowed just one run on three hits and a walk to the Diamondbacks. Injuries and the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign have limited his time on the mound. Nonetheless, whenever he has been healthy enough to pitch, deGrom has typically impressed, especially during this run.

Jacob deGrom tied a major league record with his 39th consecutive start with three earned runs or fewer. The New York Mets star is on the cusp of history.