Jacob deGrom’s final Mets rehab start has mixed reviews

Mets pitcher Jacob de Grom made his final rehab start with Syracuse on Wednesday but the results weren’t great as his return looms.

It won’t be much longer until Mets fans get to see Jacob deGrom in action for the first time this season.

The question is what level the All-Star pitcher will be at when he returns from the stress reaction that has kept him out since spring training.

On Wednesday, deGrom made what is likely his final rehab start with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, but it wasn’t the most encouraging appearance.

Jacob deGrom’s final Mets rehab start has mixed reviews

deGrom went four innings, throwing 67 pitches at the Omaha Storm Chasers. He gave up four runs, including two home runs. He walked three and struck out six.

The outing started out rough. Both home runs came in the second inning as Syracuse found themselves in a 4-0 hole.

Those home runs, the first he’s given up in four rehab starts, aren’t what fans wanted to see from the pitcher so close to being called back up.

However, they’re definitely not the end of the world.

deGrom, who took the L, rallied after his disastrous second inning. He retired the last seven batters he faced including a seven-pitch fourth inning.

The important thing about this rehab start was that he felt good by the end of his four innings and feels no lingering issues.

Mets manager Buck Showalter said the plan is for deGrom to pitch for the team next week, per Bob Nightengale, so long as he “feels good” after the rehab start.

New York’s series with the Nationals, which begins on Monday, Aug. 1, seems like the target to fit in deGrom’s season debut. It’ll be his first appearance since July 7, 2021.

deGrom was an All-Star in 2021 with an ERA of 1.08 and a record of 7-2 in 15 starts. However, he missed the second half of the season because of inflammation in his elbow. The stress reaction in his shoulder blade extended his absence.