According to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com, the Mets sent RHP Jacob deGrom down to minor league camp. The former ninth round pick had pitched pretty well this spring, posting a 1.23 ERA in 7.1 innings. He struck out seven batters and walked three during that span. However, he entered yesterday’s game in relief of Noah Syndergaard and allowed both inherited runners to score on a three-run homer.
deGrom came away from the experience cognizant of his mistakes, as well as the things he needs to improve.
“My location has been a little off this spring,” deGrom told ESPN. “Normally I get ahead of hitters. I’ve been falling behind quite a bit, so I’m going to work on that.”
The 6’4 righty also spoke about being used in relief, as he was in yesterday’s game.
“That was a learning experience,” deGrom said about relieving. “I’m glad I got that. … I think I had done it in college, but I don’t remember. That was different. You’ve got to come in and be ready. I threw that first-pitch slider, and it wasn’t a very good one. And then I went fastball and he got it. It’s one pitch that I left up, and he took advantage of it.”
deGrom could join a star-studded rotation in Las Vegas that could also feature Rafael Montero, Syndergaard, and even Jenrry Mejia.
I was a bit surprised by this move, as I thought deGrom had pitched well before yesterday’s blip. Although he didn’t have much of a chance to stick with the major-league club out of the gate, I thought another week would have been a great learning experience for him. I’m excited to see what deGrom can do in Triple-A, which figures to be a challenge.
(Photo credit: Just Sports Photography)
