New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom is about to return from a stress reaction in his right shoulder blade after throwing 60 pitches over five innings in a simulated game Thursday at the team’s spring training complex. .
The two-time Cy Young Award winner was initially supposed to take batting practice live on Tuesday, but the start was delayed two days after he experienced muscle soreness in his right shoulder. DeGrom has already made three minor league rehab starts, the most recent last Thursday for Triple-A Syracuse.
The 34-year-old right-hander has been sidelined since spring training but was expected to return shortly after the All-Star break. The Mets have not said whether he will make any more minor league starts before being activated. New York opens the second half on Friday night at home against the San Diego Padres.
DeGrom hasn’t pitched in the majors since July 7, 2021. He missed the second half of last season with a strained right forearm and sprained elbow.
In other news announced Thursday, the Mets said first baseman and designated hitter Dominic Smith was placed on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday with a sprained right ankle. The move was retroactive to July 17. Reserve outfielder Ender Inciarte was selected as a free agent on Sunday. He had been designated for an assignment.