Amid some unfortunate injuries to several starters -- including Noah Syndergaard, Taijuan Walker and Carlos Carrasco -- the Mets got some good news regarding injured ace Jacob deGrom.
The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner felt good following a bullpen session Tuesday and will make a rehab start for the Low-A St. Lucie Mets on Thursday, manager Luis Rojas announced. The Mets will wait and see how deGrom responds after the outing before deciding if they will activate him from the IL.
If all goes well, deGrom could probably return as soon as next week’s series against the Rockies at Citi Field. The ace has been on the IL since May 11 with right side tightness.
Thor sighting
On Wednesday, Syndergaard suited up for St. Lucie in a rehab assignment, the first time he has pitched in a competitive game since his Tommy John surgery March 2020. In his first start, he looked solid with five strikeouts and just one hit allowed in four innings.
Syndergaard averaged 93-95 mph with his fastball and even reached 97 mph. The Mets are still eyeing his return for late June, which will add some depth to the rotation, especially with Carrasco's return being delayed due to a right hamstring strain.
Walker to the IL
Taijuan Walker, who left Monday's start with left side tightness, was placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Tuesday. He was replaced on the roster by outfielder Cameron Maybin, who was acquired on Tuesday in a trade with the Cubs for cash considerations. Maybin was in the lineup in left field, batting third.
The Mets are off Thursday and Marcus Stroman is set to take the mound on Friday in Miami. The starters for Saturday and Sunday are to be determined.
Pillar update
Kevin Pillar will undergo surgery next week and will be able to resume baseball activities around 10-14 days after the procedure. Pillar was hit by a 94.5 mph fastball Monday against the Braves, resulting in multiple nasal fractures.