The New York Mets took back the best record in the National League with a series sweep over the division rival Washington Nationals. But that victory came with a harsh loss.
After trying to reign in a wide throw from first baseman Pete Alonso, frontline starter Kodai Senga went down with a hamstring injury on Thursday. Senga has been placed on the injured list and, while the news might have been worse, the Mets will have to march on without him for some time.
“(Manager Carlos) Mendoza said Senga will rest for about two weeks and then be evaluated for a potential ramp up,” Mike Puma reported for the New York Post. “For now at least, Paul Blackburn — the team’s de facto sixth starter — will shift from the bullpen to start Wednesday in Atlanta.”
The Mets are uniquely equipped to withstand the loss of a starter, as they have some significant rotation depth with the likes of Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea looking to make their own returns from injury soon. But any setback for the recovering arms or a new injury could suddenly force the Mets to consider an external upgrade.
In a recent episode of “The Mets Pod,” the hosts projected whether that could mean a trade reunion with Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom, who won two Cy Young Awards with the Mets earlier in his career.
“I don’t think Jacob deGrom would waive his no trade clause under any circumstance to come back to New York,” predicted host Joe DeMayo when asked about a potential trade bringing deGrom back to the Mets. “I don’t think Jacob deGrom had any interest in staying in New York. I think he’s very happy in Texas.”
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deGrom has emerged as a potential trade chip as he flashes a return to his All-Star form and the Rangers fall out of playoff contention. But since moving on from the Mets in free agency after the 2022 season, deGrom might feel like he’s left New York for good.
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