New York Mets: Will Jacob deGrom be ready to start opening day?

The New York Mets need an opening day starter. Could Jacob deGrom be the guy?

Jacob deGrom was the most consistent starter for the New York Mets last season. He won 15 games, pitched over 200 innings and posted a 3.53 ERA. If past performance is an indicator of which pitcher should start on opening day, deGrom would be the obvious choice. He has a healthy arm. What is stopping Mickey Callaway from naming him the opening day starter?

Well, he hasn’t pitched in a game quite yet which could be a problem. Between needing time for the birth of his daughter to a bout of lower back stiffness, deGrom is nowhere near where he needs to be to start opening day. The days are coming near, where he needs to start pitching in games or start thinking about starting later on in the opening turn of the rotation.

More from Empire Writes Back

That doesn’t mean he hasn’t thrown the ball at all. Per Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News, deGrom threw a 40 pitch bullpen session on Sunday. He didn’t face any hitters. deGrom understands why the team is being a bit cautious:

"“I honestly did not know what I was doing today. I thought I would probably face batters, but the plan was, I guess, to throw a bullpen. I think the plan is not to anything dumb and make sure everything’s right,” deGrom said. “I’m looking to feel good, and that’s been the case so far,” said deGrom, who flashed an impressive fastball and didn’t hold anything back as he faced Conforto."

Being cautious makes a lot of sense even if it means that deGrom doesn’t pitch on day one. We have seen what this team looks like when the pitchers go down with injuries. The last thing they need is for deGrom to start the game and be out for three months. They must take their time, it is the only way to do this.

Dave Eiland’s standard is the pitcher must be able to pitch five times in the preseason before they are ready to pitch in a regular game. That way they can increase their stamina appropriately and be ready to go. Jacob deGrom will have the same standard applied to him. New pitching coach Dave Eiland believes he has earned the start but that doesn’t mean they need to be reckless:

"“Absolutely, he’s earned it. Whether he pitches opening day or not, he’s earned it, but we’ve got to be smart about this,” Eiland said."

See the difference with a high quality pitching coach on the payroll?

Next: Mets add depth by signing A.J. Griffin

Dave Eiland has previously worked for the Yankees as the pitching coach. As much as we as Mets fans are conditioned to not like the Yankees, having someone coming from there will help our guys. He and Mickey Callaway are making a concerted effort to prepare these young pitchers the right way. Ultimately they will be better for it in the long run. These pitchers will stay healthy and the Mets will be able to stay in the playoff race. What could be better?

Home/New York Mets