Jacob deGrom’s injury is another case for DH in National League

Pitchers like Jacob deGrom should not have to bat and his latest injury is yet the latest example of that being true. 

The New York Mets cannot afford to lose ace Jacob deGrom for any extended period of time. He is easily the best pitcher in baseball and is a key reason why the Mets remain legitimate contenders.

That is why fans had to be so frustrated when deGrom left with yet another injury earlier in May. He made his return Tuesday night and picked up a win while also getting a hit at the plate. However, the hitting is the problem here.

Jacob deGrom believes the lack of a DH was the issue

There are those out there who will fight nonstop to preserve the practice of pitchers hitting in the National League. But it remains silly that the most prestigious baseball league in the world operates under two separate sets of rules.

The humor fades away when realizing someone getting paid a massive fortune to pitch has to also bat in the NL. deGrom getting a hit or two every few starts is fun, but so is a professional hitter getting that extra spot in the lineup.

Not only are pitchers not professional hitters, but they are only at the plate once every five days. That makes for plenty of bunts and the potential for injury. Pitchers are already straining their bodies enough on the mound with every pitch.

It would be hard to find too many pitchers who actively want to be up at the plate. The risk of injury is too high and there is only one Shohei Ohtani in the league.

Hopefully, the rule change is swiftly made this offseason.