The New York Mets have gone through many obstacles to start the season with opt-outs and injuries, and Friday was no different. The Mets scratched the reigning two-time Cy Young Award winner, Jacob deGrom, from his start against the Philadelphia Phillies due to neck tightness.
Walker Lockett, who was recently called up from the alternate training site in Brooklyn, will make his first start of the season.
Injury
The Mets ace does not know when the injury occurred, but he says there is no structural damage after his MRI. deGrom thought he would be able to make the start. He didn’t want to leave the Mets in a tough spot where he was removed after one inning.
“I debated on trying to go out there and I think talking it over, it was let’s make this hopefully a one start thing and not really aggravate something.” deGrom said. Hopefully, it is a one start thing, but I think it is just day-by-day right now.”
LIVE: Jacob deGrom explains why he was scratched from tonight's start https://t.co/FSWPY0G8Xx
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In deGrom’s last start, he was battling a bit of discomfort on his right hand. While it appeared to be a blister, deGrom said it was more of a hot spot and is over that injury.
Walker Lockett
After dealing with an injury at the start of the season, Lockett’s name came up as a possible replacement for Michael Wacha. However, Robert Gsellman got the start instead, and Lockett was going to be used out of the bullpen.
Manager Luis Rojas told Lockett to be ready after Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals if deGrom was unavailable to pitch.
He has made four starts with the Mets in his career and is 1-1 with an 8:34 ERA. He previously was a member of the San Diego Padres in 2018 and made three starts.
DeGrom plans to throw a bullpen session on Monday and would like to return for his next start Wednesday night against the Miami Marlins.
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