Cincinnati – Jacob Degroms 100 mph heat in his return to the action game The Mets officials didn’t get excited, but the high speed was understandable, too.
“What are you going to do?” Manager Buck Showalter said Monday, the day after DeGrum made 24 pitches for the Single-A St.
DeGrom topped out at 101 mph and reached three figures in seven pitches. Five of his six hits hit more than 1²/innings.
Showalter hinted that there were discussions with deGrom about “reconnecting” with Fastball early in the rehab job. But it’s also possible that adrenaline is dominant.
“It’s not because he’s trying as hard as torque, he’s just rested his arm and I’m sure he’s got a lot of positive vibes,” Showalter said.
“What do you think he will do when he gets back here? I don’t think he will call him back there, so I think he is preparing for what he will be asked to do here.”
DeGrom felt comfortable Monday, according to Showalter, and is still working on his five-day schedule. That puts St. Lucy’s next right-hand start on Friday in Daytona.
Showalter said he expects DeGrom to slow down as rehab progresses.
“When he starts to feel really tired, I think you’ll see some of that go down,” Showalter said. “But he’s got a fully rested arm and he’s got a lot of desire and I think you’ve seen the result of that.”
According to Showalter, David Peterson will return from the paternity slate to begin the series’ final episode on Wednesday, as Chris Bassett remains sidelined by COVID protocol.
Showalter Bassett called it a “long shot” to come close on Thursday against the Marlins, and indicated Trevor Williams is ready for that start. Bassett, who has been scratched since his debut last Friday, has been tossing on his side to remain free.
Travis Jankowski was scheduled to play five innings center field and receive three bats in a minor league rehab game versus Triple-A Syracuse. The player was on the list of injured, retrospectively until May 26, after he sustained a fourth metatarsal fracture in his left hand. Showalter has not ruled out the possibility of Jankowski returning before the All-Star break.
Edwin Diaz and his brother Alexis brought their squad cards to the home plate before the game. A devotee of the Reds, Alexis made his debut in the major leagues this season, but was placed in the Premier League last month with tendinitis of his right biceps. Alexis Diaz has managed to reach an ERA of 2.40 in 27 games for the Reds and has come across twice.
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