Jacob deGrom will make next start at major league level

The Mets are close to getting their ace back. According to Jon Morosi, Jacob deGrom’s next start will be at the major league level. This news comes after his impressive rehab start last night.

The Mets placed deGrom on the injured list with right side tightness back on May 11, a move that came two days after he exited his start against the Arizona Diamondbacks after five innings. He has only made the one start in May and has been plagued by lat issues for a few weeks, but all appears fine after last night’s performance.

deGrom started for the St. Lucie Mets against the Palm Spring Cardinals and appeared to be suffering no ill effects from his injuries. He threw 41 pitches over his three innings, striking out eight of the nine batters he faced. His fastball reached 101.9 mph, and overall, he reportedly hit 100-plus 13 times with his fastball while hitting 99 mph eight times. His slider also sat at 95 mph.

The Mets currently have 14 players on the injured list, and the rotation recently lost Taijuan Walker to an IL stint. When deGrom comes back, he will join Marcus Stroman and David Peterson as the last men standing as the club waits to get back Walker, as well as Noah Syndergaard and Carlos Carrasco, both of whom could potentially be back in June if all goes well.

The club has not officially announced deGrom’s return, nor have they set a date for him to pitch. Since he pitched last night, he would line up to start on Tuesday at Citi Field against the Colorado Rockies.