If major-leaguers can’t hit Jacob deGrom, what chance do the Low-A Palm Beach Cardinals stand? The two-time Cy Young winner showed the Cardinals no mercy in his rehab start Thursday night, claiming eight strikeout victims over three hitless innings for St. Lucie.
Shelved since complaining of side tightness against the Diamondbacks on May 9th, deGrom looked unstoppable over his 41 pitches, touching as high as 102 mph on the radar gun. DeGrom may need another start to build up his pitch count, but based on his performance Thursday, the Mets ace looks to be 100 percent.
Not only did deGrom appear healthy, but the 6’4” hurler also treated his teammates to a pre-game meal, ordering Chick-fil-A for the whole squad.
St. Lucie repaid him by hanging seven runs on their opponent, which, ironically, is more run support than he usually gets in New York.
Before he got hurt, the 32-year-old was off to a blistering start, submitting a 0.68 ERA with 65 punch-outs (still good for 12th in the majors despite his two-week absence) over 40 masterful innings. DeGrom has averaged an absurd 99 mph on his four-seamer this year, nearly two miles per hour faster than the league’s next-hardest thrower (Sandy Alcantara at 97.3).
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram