Mets to place Jacob deGrom on injured list

After he departed Sunday’s game after only five innings, the Mets are placing Jacob deGrom on the injured list with what they are describing as “right side tightness.” deGrom underwent an MRI that revealed no concerning issues, but the team is understandably being cautious with the best pitcher in baseball.

deGrom had undergone an MRI last week on his lat after he was scratched from a start in St. Louis, with that test turning up nothing dramatic. On Sunday, it was his lower back rather than his lat that tightened up on him, though there is almost certainly a connection between the two issues. Still, this is more good news than bad; deGrom escaped without any major tears or strains, and he will hopefully just take a week or three to rest and get his body right for the rest of the season.

The Mets’ ace will now miss at least two more turns through the rotation, leaving the team particularly thin at the back of their rotation. Depth arms like Joey Lucchesi, Sean Reid-Foley, Jordan Yamamoto, Robert Gsellman, and even perhaps Harol Gonzalez could be called on for some bulk innings to fill the gap. To the Mets’ credit, they’ve been willing to be more creative with their bullpen usage this season than in the past, employing openers on several occasions to great effect. Hopefully that group can continue to perform well with management setting them up in optimal matchups until deGrom and the other injured Mets starters can get back on the field.