CINCINNATI — Jacob deGrom’s 100 mph heat on his return to play didn’t thrill Mets officials, but the high speed was also understood.
“What are you going to do?” Manager Buck Showalter said Monday, a day after deGrom threw 24 pitches for Single-A St. Lucie in his first rehab start since the start of the season on the injured list with a stress reaction on his shoulder blade. right.
DeGrom peaked at 101 mph and hit triple digits at seven locations. He struck out five of six batters he faced in 1 ²/₃ innings.
Showalter hinted that there were discussions with deGrom about “recalling” his fastball early in the rehab mission. But it’s also possible that adrenaline took over.
“It’s not because he’s trying the maximum effort torque, he just has a rested arm and I’m sure he has a lot of positive emotions,” Showalter said.
“What do you think he’ll do when he gets back here?” I don’t think he’s going to compose it there, so I guess he’s preparing for what he’s going to be asked to do here.
DeGrom was feeling good on Monday, according to Showalter, and remains on a five-day schedule. That puts the right-hander’s next start for St. Lucia on Friday at Daytona.
Showalter said he would expect deGrom’s speed to decrease as his rehabilitation progresses.
“As he starts to tire, I think you’ll see some of it go down,” Showalter said. “But he has a fully rested arm with a lot of desire and I think you’ve seen the result of that.”
David Peterson will return from the paternity list to start Wednesday’s series finale, according to Showalter, as Chris Bassitt remains sidelined in COVID protocol.
Showalter called Bassitt a “long shot” to start Thursday against the Marlins, and said Trevor Williams was lined up for that start. Bassitt, who was pulled from his start last Friday, threw to the side to stay loose.
Travis Jankowski was expected to play five innings in center field and receive three at bats in a minor league rehab appearance for Triple-A Syracuse. The outfielder was on the disabled list, retroactive to May 26, after fracturing the fourth metacarpal in his left hand. Showalter didn’t rule out the possibility that Jankowski could return before the All-Star break.
Edwin Diaz and his brother Alexis brought the respective lineup cards to home plate before the game. Alexis, a Reds reliever, made his major league debut this season but was placed on the IL last month with tendonitis in his right bicep. Alexis Diaz has thrown a 2.40 ERA in 27 appearances for the Reds with two saves.
