Crushing News for New York Mets' Playoff Hopes

The New York Mets have announced that ace Jacob deGrom has been shut down for two more weeks following another MRI for his elbow inflammation, meaning the earliest he can return is mid-September. 

Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom will be shut down two more weeks while dealing with right elbow inflammation, manager Luis Rojas said Friday.

The earliest he could return is mid-September.https://t.co/jr9WWkDAYA

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 13, 2021

This is crushing news for the Mets, who are in the middle of a 3-team scrap for the NL East division lead, with only one game separating the three. New York has dropped 6 of their last 10, losing three games in the standings to the Atlanta Braves, and four games to the Philadelphia Phillies. 

deGrom is on the injured list for the 5th time this season, and on Friday had his 6th MRI of the year. It unfortunately didn't show as much progress with his elbow as team doctors were hoping. This last trip to the IL came on July 18th, and was extended on July 30th when he was shut down for another two weeks at that time, which led up to Friday's newest setback. 

The Mets' ace was leading baseball with a 1.08 ERA that was on pace to shatter all-time records. He also has struck out 146 in just 92 innings. 

Before he can return in September, he will have to have... yep, another MRI. 

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports