NEW YORK -- The birth of his son now behind him, Jacob deGrom plans to meet the Mets in Cleveland on Friday, before they open a three-game series with the Indians. When he arrives, deGrom will attempt to throw a bullpen session for the first time since straining his right lat April 8 against the Phillies.
That session will determine whether deGrom can make his next start as scheduled Tuesday in Philadelphia, or if the Mets will instead place him on the disabled list retroactive to April 9.
"When he shows up in Cleveland, if he cannot throw a side … we're probably going to have to consider something else," Mets manager Terry Collins said before Wednesday's 2-1 victory over the Marlins. "Because we don't want to continue to play that short for another two weeks. Those things being said, I will certainly have to wait until Friday to see where we're at."
For now, the Mets are choosing to play short. Logan Verrett started Wednesday's game against the Marlins in place of deGrom, and the team recalled right-hander Rafael Montero to supplement him. That came at the expense of infielder Eric Campbell, whom the club optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Playing one game with a short bench did not vex the Mets. But going a longer period of time with that configuration worries them, which is why the Mets will be anxious to see how deGrom performs in Cleveland.
"We're going to hope," Collins said. "To say that he will [throw a bullpen session], we're certainly not 100 percent sure. But I'm certainly hoping he will."