Strong finish nets deGrom NL Rookie of Month honors

NEW YORK -- As perhaps a prelude to a National League Rookie of the Year Award, Mets starter Jacob deGrom on Tuesday was named the NL's Rookie of the Month for September. It was the second Rookie of the Month honor this season for deGrom, who also won it in July.

Despite skipping his final start due to an innings limit, deGrom posted a 2-0 record and 1.67 ERA in September, striking out 38 batters against six walks in 27 innings. Opponents hit .189 against him in the month.

Overall, deGrom finished 9-6 with a 2.69 ERA, 144 strikeouts and 43 walks in 140 1/3 innings. His main competition for the NL Rookie of the Year Award, Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton, hit .250 with 56 stolen bases, six home runs and a .292 on-base percentage.

"Now, I'm thinking about it," deGrom said of the Rookie of the Year, shortly after the Mets announced his shutdown. "It would be a great honor."

deGrom will enter next season alongside Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler atop the Mets' rotation. At 26, he is the oldest of those three pitchers.