Jacob DeGrom, New York Mets' ace pitcher, makes surprising decision on this year's MLB All-Star Game
New York, New York - One of the best pitchers in the game says he’ll sit out of the MLB’s mid-summer classic in favor of rest and relaxation.
The Mets’ two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob DeGrom will not play in the upcoming All-Star Game in Denver, Colorado. With the star-studded exhibition game less than one week away, this news certainly turned some heads in the baseball world.
DeGrom's decision doesn’t appear to be influenced by anyone on the coaching staff or in the Mets front office.
"I've thought about it and obviously being named to an All-Star Game is a great honor, but I'm just going to take that time and spend it with my family and get healthy for the second half," DeGrom said at a press conference after pitching against the Brewers in the Mets' 5-0 loss on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old has been dealing with a series of minor injuries that had kept him out a couple of games over the last three months. Back in April, he experienced pain in his right lat muscle, and then suffered through flexor tendinitis in his right arm in June.
Throwing at a high-level like he does, and considering that his age might be considered a little advanced in "pitching years," a little extra rest won't to DeGrom any harm, as his team tries to hold on to their division lead in the second half of the season.
When the official All-Star rosters were unveiled this past weekend, DeGrom was the only player from his team named to the National League’s squad. In a show of solidarity though, he did try to put in a good word for his pitching teammate Taijuan Walkerto throw in his place next week.
DeGrom is playing this season at a familiar pace to potentially earn a rare, third Cy Young award as his league's best overall pitcher. He leads the MLB in strikeouts with 446, and as of Thursday, also has the lowest earned run average (ERA), with 1.08.
The MLB All-Star Game takes place on July 13, from Denver, Colorado.
Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire