Jacob deGrom leaves game early with right shoulder soreness

Jacob deGrom left his start against the Cubs this evening early, pitching three dominant, perfect innings before he had to remove himself from the game. The Mets announced that deGrom left because of right shoulder soreness.

This is, of course, the second time deGrom has left a game early in as many starts, as he left his previous start against the Padres after throwing just 80 pitches because of what was described as right flexor tendonitis.

deGrom missed some time earlier in the season because of what was described as side soreness. Considering the Mets’ lead in the National League East and deGrom’s historically great performance, it sure seems like the Mets should make it a priority to get deGrom fully healthy before he makes another start. He’s simply far too valuable to the team to risk any further injury.

In 67.0 innings, deGrom has 111 strikeouts and a 0.54 ERA on the season, one of the best stretches of pitching by anyone in the history of the sport.