DeGrom exits start after 3 perfect innings with right shoulder soreness
New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom left Wednesday's start against the Chicago Cubs after striking out eight batters over three perfect innings.
The Mets said deGrom was removed due to right shoulder soreness.
After striking out the side in the third, deGrom went straight down the tunnel into the Mets' clubhouse. He appeared to be in a bit of discomfort after throwing a pitch to Eric Sogard early in his final frame.
Jacob deGrom went straight for the tunnel after the 3rd inning.
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 17, 2021
He has left the game and Sean Reid-Foley has come in to pitch. pic.twitter.com/skVGSEc8aN
This is the pitch to Sogard where deGrom showed some discomfort last inning: pic.twitter.com/BbTL68m5xc
— Tim Britton (@TimBritton) June 17, 2021
DeGrom said the soreness is in the back of his shoulder. Preliminary tests showed no serious issues, and he'll undergo further evaluation Thursday, according to Newsday's Laura Albanese. Manager Luis Rojas called the initial test results "encouraging," per Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Last week, deGrom was forced from a start after six innings and 80 pitches due to right flexor tendonitis. He also spent time on the injured list earlier this season because of right side tightness.
"This is getting old, I want to be out there competing"
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 17, 2021
Jacob deGrom is frustrated he had to leave tonight with his right shoulder soreness pic.twitter.com/nVZXeIaKAZ
The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner has gotten off to a phenomenal start this season. After Wednesday's brief outing, deGrom now owns a sparkling 0.54 ERA and 0.51 WHIP with 111 strikeouts and just eight walks over 67 innings. He also notched an RBI single Wednesday and is hitting .423 with six RBIs.
Sean Reid-Foley took over on the mound for deGrom and gave up a home run to Anthony Rizzo.