New York Mets Jacob deGrom Says Elbow Is Pain Free

Sep 24, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets injured starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) in the dugout during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets injured starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) in the dugout during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom says his right elbow is healthy after undergoing surgery to reposition his ulnar nerve in September.

The New York Mets have dealt with a ton of injuries to their starting rotation. They have arguably the most talented group of starting pitchers in the major leagues, but they have not been healthy. The group of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, Noah Syndergaard, and Steven Matz have yet to be in the rotation together.

The Mets are hoping that happens in 2017. The health of the starting rotation will be a determining factor in the team’s success for the upcoming season. One player, they shouldn’t have to worry about is deGrom.

deGrom underwent surgery in September on his throwing elbow to move the ulnar nerve. deGrom is thrilled that his arm is feeling good and he looks healthy going into Spring Training.

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"“Since I’ve had the nerve moved, I haven’t had any of the pain that was there, so I would call it a success so far,’’ deGrom said."

Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz dealt with the same issue that deGrom did with his ulnar nerve. The two had a discussion about it that helped deGrom feel better about things.

"“It started with some tingling in my fingers,’’ deGrom said of when he finally decided to shut it down. “Then it turned into a sharp pain. I don’t know if it’s because it was getting aggravated more, but that’s what was happening.”Smoltz told deGrom he had a similar problem that “turned into a pretty severe pain.’’“Mine was kind of doing the same thing,’’ deGrom said. “But knowing he had his moved and was completely fine after that is really encouraging. I’m really looking forward to having a healthy spring and getting out there and competing this year.’’"

The injury that deGrom was dealing with sounds extremely painful and a difficult thing to perform through. Despite the issue, deGrom still had a solid 2016 season; the procedure should only help him get back on track and return the dominant form he had in 2014 and 2015.

Fans are not the only ones excited about the possibilities the Mets starting rotation has. deGrom admitted that it would be fun for everyone to be healthy and pitching together as well.

"“I think it could be a lot of fun,’’ deGrom told The Post at Tradition Field earlier in the week. “I’m definitely looking forward to what it could be, and I think everybody else on the staff is, too.’’"

While it would be fun to see, there is a chance that it may not happen. Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that the Mets were considering a change to Wheeler’s role; they discussed moving him to the bullpen.

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That move may no longer be necessary after the work that Sandy Alderson did last week to reshape their bullpen. But, if Wheeler is indeed moved, or another injury occurs, the Mets have another top prospect to turn to in Robert Gsellman, who had a strong debut in 2016.