Jacob deGrom's next foe: AL East-leading Red Sox Wednesday night
Jacob deGrom of the Mets pitches during the first inning against the Nationals at Citi Field on Friday. Credit: Jim McIsaac
It didn’t look like a fair fight when Jacob deGrom fired a two-hit, no-walk, 15-strikeout shutout against the Nationals on Friday night.
DeGrom’s next start will be a step up in weight class when he faces the Red Sox at Citi Field on Wednesday.
Boston went into Sunday as the highest-scoring team in baseball. The Red Sox were expected to be an also-ran but are leading the AL East at 14-9.
The 109-pitch gem was only the fourth complete game of deGrom’s career. With the Mets off Monday and Thursday, manager Luis Rojas had the option of giving him extra rest for his next start, but deGrom had an extra day off before his last outing, so he will face Boston on his usual four days’ rest.
"Never too early to get excited to watch Jake pitch," Pete Alonso said. "It’s awesome when Jake pitches."
David Peterson will open the two-game series on Tuesday night. Because of off days, the Mets won’t need a fifth starter until next month.
DeGrom extension?
DeGrom is signed through 2023 with a team option for 2024, but it wouldn’t be a shock if the Mets tried to sign him to a contract extension after this season. The sides reportedly had brief talks in spring training.
On Saturday, a fan asked owner Steve Cohen on Twitter: "What does a deGrom extension look like?"
"Probably a lot," Cohen said.
Cohen has been quiet on social media since posting about the Mets’ home opener on April 9, but he does answer fans’ questions from time to time.
Noah checks in
Noah Syndergaard, who faced hitters in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on Saturday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery, hasn’t had much to say publicly about his rehab. He has kept his teammates informed, though, pal Robert Gsellman said.
"It’s definitely hard, especially being down there in Florida by yourself," Gsellman said. "He reaches out here and there so he can talk to us, but I know he’s focused on his routine and what he’s got going on so he can be healthy. Just excited for him to get back."
The Mets hope Syndergaard can join the rotation in June.
"We’re definitely going to be watching something special when he comes back," Gsellman said. "I know he’s put in the right work. He’s in the right spot and the right place and he’s excited to get back. I can’t wait for him to get back."
As for Gsellman, he threw three hitless innings on Saturday after throwing only 2 1/3 innings in the Mets’ first 15 games this season. How was he able to be so effective against the Nationals?
"Staying mentally ready," Gsellman said. "Can’t get down on yourself because you’re not pitching or not playing. So just control what you control and just stay in the weight room, keep your body ready. Just keep going."
Roster move
Righthander Drew Smith, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, was activated from the injured list and optioned to the alternate site.
Anthony Rieber covers baseball, as well as the NFL, NBA and NHL. He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since July 5, 2004.
