MLB

Mets receive another promising Jacob deGrom sign

Jacob deGrom took another small step toward potentially pitching again this year as the clock ticks down on the Mets’ season.

The ace threw a 10-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, according to MLB.com. It marked his first time throwing off a mound since the Mets shut him down in late July because of elbow inflammation.

After de Grom was shut down for four weeks, he began a throwing program on Aug. 25.

He still has more hurdles to clear before he can pitch in a game for the first time since July 7. He is up against the calendar because the Mets have just 16 games left.

Jacob deGrom
Jacob deGrom N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg

Javier Baez continued his torrid stretch with a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of the Mets’ 7-6, 11-inning loss to the Cardinals on Tuesday night. He went 2-for-2 with three walks (the second three-walk game of his career). He is batting .363 with seven doubles, seven homers and a 1.153 OPS in 22 games since coming off the injured list on Aug. 22.

“As aggressive as he is, as much as he expands out of the zone, the pitch selection has been better,” manager Luis Rojas said. “He has been laying off pitches that he wasn’t laying off when he got to us. I think he’s getting ready a little earlier so he’s seeing the ball earlier and that’s why he’s laying off. He’s getting more pitches in the zone.”


Right-hander Noah Syndergaard is expected to throw live batting practice on Wednesday — his first time facing hitters since he tested positive for COVID-19, shortly after beginning another rehab assignment on his way back from Tommy John surgery.


Brandon Nimmo (hamstring strain) continued to progress in his rehab and “there’s a chance” he could be activated off the injured list this weekend when the Mets host the Phillies, according to Rojas.


Pete Alonso was named the Mets’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which honors players for their “extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.”

“It’s truly an honor,” said Alonso, who has been active with his Homers for Heroes foundation. “I”m just really thankful for the recognition, but I’m just trying to do good in the community. … I just want to be able to keep continuing to be an ally here in New York and every single borough.”


Before the game, catcher Tomas Nido (left thumb sprain) and reliever Jake Reed (right forearm inflammation) were activated off the injured list. Nido started and went 0-for-3, while Reed took the loss after giving up three runs in the 11th inning.


Patrick Mazeika and Yennsy Diaz were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.