Report: Mets ace Jacob deGrom 'healthy,' could debut in 'second half of July'

The New York Mets have lost three straight contests and witnessed their lead over the second-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings fall to just three games. 

Nevertheless, the Amazins are receiving positive news heading into July. 

As noted by SNY, Mets ace Max Scherzer completed a successful second rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Wednesday and is on track to return to the big-league rotation when New York is in Cincinnati to take on the Reds early next week. Scherzer hasn't taken the bump for an MLB game since he suffered an oblique strain on May 18. 

Meanwhile, it was learned on Thursday that fellow Mets ace Jacob deGrom could be penciled in for his first rehab assignment this weekend. The 34-year-old has thus far missed the entire season because of a stress reaction in the scapula of his pitching shoulder that popped up in the closing days of spring training. 

For his newsletter also published on Thursday, Anthony DiComo of the Mets' website provided an even more encouraging update and noted that deGrom is considered "healthy right now." 

"He’s in the process of building back up his shoulder strength," DiComo added about deGrom. "Based on his recent run of live bullpen sessions (and the expectation that he could begin a Minor League rehab assignment soon), the two-time Cy Young Award winner should return in the second half of July."

Lingering elbow issues cost deGrom the entire second half of last season, and he hasn't pitched against MLB opposition since July 7, 2021. Thus, the Mets may allow deGrom to continue his recovery until after the All-Star break that begins following a July 17 matchup against the Chicago Cubs.