New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Jacob deGrom reportedly hit triple digits during first rehab start

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Alex Evans | Last updated 7/3/22

New York Mets fans had to have liked what they saw from Jacob deGrom during the ace’s rehab start Sunday with the Mets’ Single-A affiliate in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

deGrom, who hasn’t pitched this season after suffering a stress reaction in his right scapula in late March, threw 1.2 scoreless innings with five strikeouts, no hits and no walks.

What was perhaps more impressive than deGrom’s final stat line was that fact that he was consistently throwing in the triple digits. He reportedly threw seven 100-plus mph pitches out of 24 total, including one at 101 mph.

Making his first regular-season appearance at any level since last July 7, Jacob deGrom struck out five of the six batters he faced in a game for Class A St. Lucie.

He hit 101 mph on the radar gun and eclipsed 100 mph seven times. deGrom threw 24 pitches. pic.twitter.com/QMaSxiOq8K

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 3, 2022

Jacob deGrom of the St. Lucie Mets.

IMO, he has potential to be a solid starting pitcher at the next level. pic.twitter.com/EdUAzZ6WrM

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 3, 2022

deGrom will likely have to get through a few more rehab starts before he’s cleared to return to the majors, but said after the game that his shoulder “feels 100%.”

Jacob deGrom says his shoulder feels 100%: pic.twitter.com/j4Rqlyyua9

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 3, 2022

The Mets also got encouraging news regarding their other top starter this week. On Friday, Max Scherzer announced that he’ll return Tuesday from an oblique injury suffered on May 18 to start against the Reds in Cincinnati.

Getting deGrom back would provide a big boost for the Mets, who lead the National League East by 3.5 games. In 15 starts last season, the 34-year-old had a 1.08 ERA with 146 strikeouts and 11 walks. Regardless of how he pitches upon his return, deGrom may be in a different uniform next year if he opts out of his current contract after the season.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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