New York Mets: Can They Overcome Jacob deGrom Injury

Can the New York Mets overcome the loss of starting pitcher Jacob deGrom?

The New York Mets are right in the thick of the playoff race in the National League. They are currently tied for the first Wild Card spot with the St. Louis Cardinals, with a two-game lead over the San Francisco Giants.

While the Mets currently hold onto that playoff spot, there is still work to be done to clinch a spot. That job became tougher when it was announced that starting pitcher Jaco deGrom would probably miss the remainder of the season because of injury.

deGrom was slated to start today’s game against the Minnesota Twins, but that is no longer the plan. He was cleared after a clean bullpen session on Friday prior to batting practice. But, while shagging balls in the outfield, he experienced pain in his right elbow throwing balls back into the infield.

The injury is ulnar nerve related according to general manager Sandy Alderson, and surgery is likely. “It’s unlikely he’ll pitch again this season,” Alderson said. The Mets are under the impression deGrom is dealing with a buildup of scar tissue on the nerve, something that is common for players that have undergone Tommy John surgery.

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deGrom underwent surgery while in the minor league’s in 2010. An MRI did not reveal any structural damage, which is a positive thing, but deGrom looks like he will be shelved for the remainder of the season.

“I’ve been through Tommy John before, and I definitely don’t want to go through that again, so I think this is good news compared to what it could’ve been,” deGrom said.

While the Mets have received excellent performances from Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman, losing deGrom is a big blow. Lugo and Gsellman have filled in admirably, but neither bring the same presence as deGrom would.

What the Mets do have working in their favor though is a cupcake schedule. They have been feasting on lower echelon teams, picking up much-needed victories in the process. It has enabled Lugo and Gsellman to gain confidence, as they have held their own against teams such as the Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and Miami Marlins.

The schedule will be a saving grace for the Mets, as they should continue beating up on the bad teams and get into the postseason. Once the postseason rolls around is where the loss of deGrom will be felt.

deGrom was dominant for the Mets in the postseason last year. He made three starts to help the Mets navigate the NL, compiling a 3-0 record and 1.80 ERA, the best of any pitcher through the league rounds. Expecting Lugo or Gsellman to replicate that success would be unfair, as the pair has little MLB experience.

While the Mets should be able to get into the postseason without deGrom, he will be sorely missed once the playoffs roll around, if the Mets are fortunate enough to make it. It is tough to replace someone considered the ace of a staff, especially since the Mets are dealing with so many injuries to the starting rotation already.

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With deGrom joining Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler on the sidelines, the Mets will be relying heavily upon Bartolo Colon and Noah Syndergaard. They are hoping that Steven Matz can return to the rotation as well, but until then they will continue giving starts to Lugo and Gsellman, hoping their good fortune does not run out.

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