Jacob deGrom to start Saturday against Dodgers
Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom throws during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, June 16, 2014 in St. Louis. Credit: AP / Jeff Roberson
Jacob deGrom will resume his NL Rookie of the Year candidacy Saturday when the Mets righthander comes off the disabled list to start against the Dodgers.
"I'm looking forward to tomorrow," said deGrom, who threw a brief bullpen session Thursday, ahead of his first outing since Aug. 7.
DeGrom, 26, had a relatively smooth rehab from what doctors called right rotator cuff tendinitis.
Though manager Terry Collins likely will limit him to 100 pitches, deGrom said he was eager to return, partly to prove that he's capable of pitching until the end of the season without being shut down.
"I've never played this long and this would be the most innings I've had, so playing all the way through the end of September I feel is very important," he said. "Hopefully, it all works out and I stay healthy through to the end of the year."
If deGrom reaches his innings limit, which is around 185, he likely won't face any limitations next season.
Colon returns for nowBartolo Colon was activated off the bereavement list ahead of his scheduled start on Sunday.
Colon, who declined to comment, has been mourning the recent death of his mother. He is scheduled to return to the Dominican Republic for funeral services after his start.
Colon also has been the subject of trade speculation with the Angels, who need help in the rotation. But it's unclear whether the Mets placed Colon on revocable waivers, a prerequisite for any trade.
Extra bases
Rafael Montero was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room for deGrom. Reliever Gonzalez Germen also was sent down . . . Kirk Nieuwenhuis (neck stiffness) was available Friday night against the Dodgers, though he's not at full strength.
The Mets are still deciding on the next step for Daisuke Matsuzaka (elbow), who made a minor league rehab start on Thursday.
Minor league first baseman Manuel Hilario could be discharged from a Florida hospital Saturday, one day after he was unresponsive and had seizures after an on-field injury. Hilario was airlifted to a Florida hospital after he took a knee to the head while sliding during a Gulf Coast League game. According to the club,ub, CT scans later came back normal and he was in good spirits.
