Jacob deGrom may return Sunday vs. D-backs

New York Mets ace and two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom was scratched from Tuesday’s start at the St. Louis Cardinals, a game that was ultimately rained out, and shut down for a few days due to what was ultimately diagnosed as inflammation in his right lat.

It appears the situation isn’t too concerning. 

According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Mets manager Luis Rojas told reporters on Wednesday that deGrom could return to the mound for Sunday’s home start versus the Arizona Diamondbacks if the 32-year-old successfully plays catch on Thursday and completes a bullpen session on Friday. 

“I was a little bit more sore after my last start. Didn’t think too much of it,” deGrom explained. “I noticed my mechanics were off. Looked at some of the video and got some of the numbers, and my arm was down a little bit and … flying open. So that’s obviously going to put more stress on my arm.” 

He added he will be re-evaluated Thursday before the club moves forward with any plans. 

The Mets ace was recently named National League Pitcher of the Month for April after he recorded a 0.51 ERA with 59 strikeouts across five starts and 35 innings of work.