Mets’ DeGrom Shut Down for Four Weeks
Two-Time Cy Young Winner Dealing with Stress Fracture in Scapula
MRI Exam Reveals Injury
New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom will miss the first month of the season after an MRI exam revealed a stress reaction in his right shoulder.
DeGrom will be shut down from throwing for at least four weeks, at which time the two-time National League Cy Young Award winner will undergo another MRI, the Mets announced on Friday.
Jacob deGrom underwent an MRI today that revealed a stress reaction on his scapula that has caused inflammation in the area. The immediate prescription is for Jake to discontinue throwing for up to 4 weeks and then reimage the area. At that time, we’ll update the plan of care.
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 1, 2022
The right-hander said he had tightness in the back of his right shoulder following a long-toss session on Thursday afternoon, prompting the MRI exam.
The 33-year-old deGrom, scheduled to be New York’s Opening Day starter, pitched three innings and struck on five on Sunday in his last outing. He made two appearances this spring, allowing one run, striking out 10 and not walking a batter.
DeGrom had his 2021 season cut short due to arm and elbow issues. He was in the midst of a sensational season with a 7-2 record and 1.08 ERA through 15 starts but did not pitch again after July 7.
His statistics prior to the injury were off the charts: DeGrom registered 146 strikeouts against only 11 walks in 92 innings and appeared on his way to a third Cy Young Award.
DeGrom won back-to-back Cy Young Awards in 2018 and 2019 despite posting records of 10-9 and 11-8. He had a microscopic 1.70 ERA in 2018 and a 2.43 ERA the following year.
The Mets bolstered their pitching staff in the offseason and the prime addition was veteran right-hander Max Scherzer.
A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Scherzer was signed to a three-year, $130 million contract. He is now expected to draw the Opening Day assignment against his former club, the Washington Nationals, on April 7.
