Jacob deGrom has earned the benefit of the doubt, and some. He’s a two-time Cy Young Award winner and the strong favorite this season for a third. There’s no doubt about it, deGrom is the best pitcher in baseball.
deGrom is not, however, a machine. It’s difficult to believe, so I understand if you’ll need a few minutes to let that sink in.
Alright, are you ready? We’ll continue.
Injuries have been the only kryptonite threatening to derail deGrom’s historic 2021 season
The 33-year old right-hander has had to overcome right lat tightness, right flexor tendinitis, and — most recently — right shoulder soreness.
The National League East division-leading Mets, because of deGrom’s greatness, are in a tough position.
If this was any ordinary pitcher, some quality time on the injured list would be the solution. deGrom, however, isn’t ordinary. He’s extraordinary.
Just five days after right shoulder soreness forced deGrom to exit his last start earlier than him or anyone wanted, the ace returned to Citi Field like he never missed a beat.
deGrom threw five shutout innings to help lead the Mets to a 4-2 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Monday. He retired the first eight batters to face him and allowed only one hit.
We’re watching greatness every five days, when injuries have not gotten in the way.
deGrom’s earned run average is now 0.50, that ranks him first in MLB. He’s a legitimate candidate for this season’s MVP award.
Still, the injuries are impossible to ignore. While the Mets have been cautious with him, the stakes are rising as the calendar turns to summer.
Their overall plan this season has been to tread cautiously with deGrom, coming off a pandemic-shortened season in which he made only 12 starts. Lately, they’ve erred even further on the side of caution given deGrom’s series of minor aches and pains… Along the way, team officials have constantly asked deGrom for feedback, with expectations that he will be open and honest.
Mets beat writer, Anthony DiComo
While, this time, the results were good for everyone inside Citi Field, not employed by the Atlanta Braves; how the Mets move forward with their ace will be closely watched throughout the baseball world.
Image: Brad Penner / USA Today
