Jacob deGrom has decided to save his arm, so he won't be pitching in next week's All-Star Game. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Mets ace Jacob deGrom won't pitch in All-Star Game

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/7/21

New York Mets ace and two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom made history during Wednesday's afternoon start against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field when he became the second-fastest pitcher in history to reach 1,500 career MLB strikeouts.

The 33-year-old didn't receive a decision as the Mets came back to defeat the Brewers in the opener of a split doubleheader, but he nevertheless gave fans what they'll consider to be good news after the win when he confirmed he won't pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Coors Field:

"I'm gonna take that time and enjoy it with my family...hopefully Tai gets in there and takes my place"

Jacob deGrom is asked about his plans for the All-Star game pic.twitter.com/m6ZOLVLdjV
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 7, 2021

"I've thought about it, and obviously being named to an All-Star team is a great honor," deGrom explained. "But I'm gonna take that time and just enjoy it with my family, whether I pitch Sunday or not, and get healthy for the second half (of the season)."

As Anthony DiComo of the MLB website noted, deGrom added he hopes teammate and starter Taijuan Walker can take his place on the All-Star squad:

Jacob deGrom said he doesn't know how the process works but he is going to look into how to get Taijuan Walker into the All-Star Game as a replacement.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) July 7, 2021

While deGrom could contend for both Cy Young and NL Most Valuable Player honors through September, he also dealt with a handful of injury scares over the first half of the campaign. Few, if any, Mets fans wanted to see him take the bump Tuesday.

They no longer have to worry about that.

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