"If I did it again, then I would be out the rest of this year" - Jacob deGrom trusts his rehab process and looks ready for majors after latest rehab start
Jacob deGrom is back. Well, not officially, but he looks as ready as ever after his most recent rehab start. Moving up the ladder to Triple-A ball, deGrom pitched four solid innings for Syracuse on Thursday to inch closer to his major league return.
As we have come to expect, the New York Mets All-Star put in another stellar performance. He took 42 total pitches to complete four innings. He didn't give up a run and allowed just two hits while striking out four hitters.
Jacob deGrom talks about his rehab and ramp-up process this year compared to last year:
"I had to really trust the process and try not do too much. If I did it again, then I would be out the rest of this year" https://t.co/cyyvGURedg
"Jacob deGrom talks about his rehab and ramp-up process this year compared to last year: 'I had to really trust the process and try not do too much. If I did it again, then I would be out the rest of this year'" - SNY
The 34-year-old started only 15 games last year before suffering forearm and elbow injuries. He is yet to play in the majors in 2022 and is hoping to return for the second half of the season.
The Mets have been cautious and overly conservative with deGrom's rebab. He hasn't pitched in the majors in over a year, and it seems the organization isn't taking any chances with their high-profile starting pitcher.
The four-time All-Star discussed his process with reporters.
"I had to really trust the process and try not do too much. If I did it again, then I would be out the rest of this year, " said deGrom.
Two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom looks ready for majors after another stellar performance
Thursday's performance was Jacob deGrom's most convincing yet. He reached 100 mph with his fastball. A 93 mph slider looked equally dangerous and had opposing batters unbalanced. His mid-eighties cruveball is another weapon that he can call on when required.
Final line from tonight's rehab outing for Jacob deGrom https://t.co/hwrayrLhxk
Another bonus from Thursday's game was the opportunity for him to pitch to highly touted catcher Francisco Alvarez.
The Venezuelan prospect is highly rated within the organization and has looked comfortable catching for both deGrom and Max Scherzer.
Max ScherzerFrancisco Álvarez now has the seal of approval as a backstop from:
✅ Max Scherzer
✅ Jacob deGrom https://t.co/T0x3Y1taQm
"Francisco Álvarez now has the seal of approval as a backstop from: Max Scherzer Jacob deGrom" - Metsmerized Online
The upcoming All-Star break will provide some additional time for deGrom to rest up.
The New York Mets currently lead the National League East with a 56-34 record. With the Atlanta Braves only 2.5 games behind, the Mets pitching staff could use all the support they can get.