Jacob deGrom likely facing surgery after setback with ulnar nerve
Sunday was supposed to be a happy day for the New York Mets. Right-hander Jacob deGrom was slated to return after missing two weeks with discomfort in his right forearm related to his ulnar nerve.
All of that happiness is gone now though. On Saturday, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson announced that deGrom’s season is likely over, and that he’s probably headed for surgery after his ulnar nerve became irritated again after his most recent bullpen session.
Alderson said Jake deGrom will not start tmrw. Has issues with ulnar nerve. Has some pain. Unlikely to pitch rest of yr #Mets
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) September 17, 2016
Alderson said deGrom likely needs surgery, but said not a significant surgery #Mets
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) September 17, 2016
That the Mets are not anticipating a major operation certainly rules out Tommy John surgery. His ligaments are intact, but it’s still a concerning issue any time surgery is a possibility.
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According to initial reports, ulnar nerve surgery typically carries a three-to-six month recovery. Even in a worst-case scenario, that would put deGrom in play around mid-March. Given how this season has played out though, between the injuries to deGrom, Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Neil Walker and a host of other players, we wouldn’t blame Mets fans if they take a wait-and-see approach before breathing any sigh of relief.
It’s a shame too. DeGrom’s return was expected to bolster New York’s playoff hopes, which were already picking up steam thanks to a great start to September. Losing him now, and in this manner, is another gutpunch. But the Mets hopes haven’t lived and died with their pitching injuries just yet. That shouldn’t change now.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!