Jacob deGrom is one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) today. With a fastball that can reach 100 miles per hour and an arsenal of devastating off-speed pitches, deGrom has earned a reputation as one of the most difficult pitchers for batters to face.
However, in recent years, deGrom has faced a number of injuries that have threatened to derail his career. In 2021, he experienced inflammation in his right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), causing him to miss most of the second half of the season.
Ahead of the 2022 campaign, deGrom dealt with a stress reaction of the right scapula, which sidelined him until August. We will explore the details of deGrom’s injuries and how they have impacted his career, as well as his prospects for the future.
Overview of Degrom’s Career
Jacob deGrom was born on June 19, 1988, in DeLand, Florida. He played college baseball at Stetson University and was selected by the New York Mets in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB draft.
DeGrom made his major league debut in 2014 and quickly established himself as a rising star. In his first full season, he won the National League Rookie of the Year Award, posting a 2.69 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 140.1 innings pitched.
Since then, deGrom has only gotten better. In 2018 and 2019, he won the National League Cy Young Award, given to the best pitcher in each league. He was also named an All-Star in both seasons.
DeGrom’s playing style is characterized by his incredible velocity and his ability to mix up his pitches effectively.
His fastball regularly clocks in above 95 miles per hour and can reach as high as 100. He also throws a slider, a changeup, and a curveball, each of which can be devastating for batters.
Despite his success, deGrom has faced a number of injuries that have threatened to derail his career. However, his resilience and determination have allowed him to bounce back and continue to dominate on the mound.
The 2021 Season
During the 2021 season, deGrom experienced inflammation in his right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), a common injury for baseball pitchers.
The UCL is a band of tissue that connects the upper arm bone to the forearm bone and is responsible for stabilizing the elbow joint during throwing motions.
The injury caused deGrom to miss most of the second half of the season, as he was placed on the injured list in July and did not return until September.
Despite this, he still managed to post impressive numbers when he was on the mound. In 15 starts, he had a 1.08 ERA (earned run average) and 146 strikeouts in just 92 innings pitched.
The impact of the injury on deGrom’s performance cannot be understated. Prior to his injury, he was on pace to have one of the best seasons in baseball history, with some experts calling it one of the greatest pitching performances ever.
However, the injury ultimately cost him a chance to compete for the Cy Young Award that year. It also raised concerns about his long-term health and the risk of further UCL damage.
The 2022 Season
Ahead of the 2022 season, deGrom dealt with a stress reaction of the right scapula, which sidelined him until August. The scapula is the shoulder blade bone, and a stress reaction is a type of bone injury that occurs when the bone is subjected to repetitive stress or impact over time.
The injury was significant, as it caused deGrom to miss most of the season. He made only seven starts in total and finished the year with a 1-4 record and a 4.56 ERA.
This was a far cry from his dominant performances in previous seasons and was a disappointing outcome for both deGrom and the Mets.
The impact of the injury on deGrom’s performance was clear. When he was on the mound, he did not look like the same dominant pitcher that fans had become accustomed to seeing. He struggled with his command at times and gave up more runs than usual.
However, there were also signs of his usual brilliance, such as his 14-strikeout performance in a game against the Washington Nationals in September.
The injury also raised concerns about deGrom’s long-term health and ability to continue pitching at an elite level.
However, with a full offseason to rest and recover, there is hope that he will be able to return to form in the 2023 season.
Recovery and Future Prospects
DeGrom’s recovery from his injuries has been a major focus for the Mets and their fans. After his UCL injury in 2021, he underwent a rehabilitation program and was able to return to the mound in September.
However, his scapula injury in 2022 was more serious and required a longer recovery time. He underwent rest and physical therapy to allow the bone to heal properly, and did not return to the Mets’ starting rotation until August.
Looking ahead, the outlook for deGrom’s future in baseball is still uncertain. While he has proven himself to be one of the best pitchers in the game when healthy, his recent injuries have raised questions about his long-term durability.
At age 34, he is no longer a young player, and the wear and tear of a long career may take a toll on his body.
However, there are also reasons to be optimistic. DeGrom has shown an incredible ability to bounce back from injuries and continue to perform at a high level.
He has also expressed a strong desire to continue playing and competing for championships with the Mets.
The injuries may impact deGrom’s long-term performance and legacy in the sport, but they do not diminish his accomplishments on the mound.
With three Cy Young Awards and numerous other accolades, he has already established himself as one of the best pitchers of his generation.
Whether or not he continues to add to his legacy in the coming years will depend on his ability to stay healthy and continue to perform at an elite level.
Jacob Degrom’s Injury History (2021-2022)
| Season | Injury | Games Missed |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | UCL Inflammation | 68 |
| 2022 | Scapula Stress Reaction | 123* |
*Note: The 2022 season is still ongoing, so the number of missed games may change.
This table provides a quick reference for the injuries deGrom has suffered in recent seasons and how they have affected his playing time.
FAQs
Has deGrom ever won a World Series?
No, deGrom has not won a World Series yet. He has been to the playoffs with the Mets in 2015 and 2016, but they were unable to advance to the World Series either year.
How does deGrom’s pitching style differ from other pitchers?
DeGrom is known for his high velocity and ability to generate swings and misses with his fastball. He also has a devastating slider and changeup that keep batters off-balance. Unlike some other pitchers, deGrom relies less on breaking pitches and more on his fastball and changeup to get outs.
What is deGrom’s contract status with the Mets?
DeGrom signed a five-year, $137.5 million contract extension with the Mets in 2019. The contract runs through the 2024 season and includes a player option for the 2025 season.
What other accolades has deGrom received besides the Cy Young Award?
In addition to his three Cy Young Awards, deGrom has been named an All-Star three times and has won the National League ERA title three times. He also won the 2019 NL Hank Aaron Award, which is given to the best offensive performer in each league.
What is deGrom’s background outside of baseball?
DeGrom grew up in Florida and played baseball and basketball in high school. He attended Stetson University, where he played both baseball and basketball. Before turning pro, deGrom worked as a short-order cook at a local restaurant. He is married and has two children.
Conclusion
Jacob deGrom’s recent injuries have been a major topic of discussion in the baseball world. The inflammation in his UCL in 2021 and the stress reaction of his right scapula in 2022 caused him to miss significant time and raised concerns about his long-term health.
However, deGrom has shown a remarkable ability to overcome injuries and continue to perform at an elite level. With a full offseason to rest and recover, there is hope that he will return to form in the 2023 season.
Despite the injuries, deGrom’s accomplishments on the mound are undeniable, and he has established himself as one of the best pitchers of his generation.
The coming years will be crucial for deGrom’s future in baseball, but his talent and determination make him a player to watch for years to come.
