DeGrom-Darvish takes over Citi
Jacob deGrom admitted he was rattled in his last start after hitting Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger in the face with a 95-mph fastball.
Haniger suffered a “small,” nasal fracture and a mild concussion. DeGrom gave up the only two earned runs the Mariners got off him on the next batter when he very uncharacteristically hung a slider to Jarrod Dyson.
But deGrom said he has no problem going back out there and after hitters again.
“It was hard to watch that, yeah, but I know I didn’t intend to do it,” deGrom said. “It happened and I have to just move past it. I probably was a little rattled by it, but I have to go out there and do my job.”
DeGrom takes the mound Friday night against the Dodgers and their newly acquired right-hander Yu Darvish. The Mets are giving away a replica of deGrom’s jersey to fans on Free Shirt Friday.
DeGrom will also host a group of local veterans as part of his participation in Carhartt’s Strikeout for Vets promotion. Carhartt donates $100 per strikeout recorded by deGrom, Chris Sale, Michael Fulmer, Felix Hernandez and Corey Kluber to Helmets to Hardhats, a program to help veterans secure work in the building and trade industries. So far those aces have racked up 708 K’s for $70,800 in donations.
BRINGING FLEXY BACK
The Mets want to give right-hander Chris Flexen a chance to make a major league start on home turf. After making his major-league debut in San Diego in front of about 75 friends and family, Flexen’s second start was in the hitter-friendly Coors Field.
He will get at least another shot Tuesday night against the Rangers at Citi Field.
In two big league starts, Flexen has allowed eight earned runs in six innings. The 23-year-old was called up from Double-A Binghamton to start while Zack Wheeler is on the disabled list with a stress reaction on his right humerus bone.
The Mets also have Robert Gsellman expected to make his third rehab appearance on Sunday and possibly coming back to the major league club soon after. Gsellman has been on the DL with a strained left hamstring since June 28.