JAKE’S TROUT FISHING
deGrom wants to face L.A. slugger in ASG
JACOB DEGROM wants a piece of Mike Trout.
The Mets righthander said that of all the players on the American League team he could face on Tuesday in the AllStar Game in Cincinnati, he’d relish the challenge of going against the Angels superstar. “He’s a great hitter. I think it’d be fun to face him and try to get him out,” deGrom said with a smile.
DeGrom is the lone Mets representative on the National League squad for the Midsummer Classic, with a 9-6 record, 2.14 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. With Washington’s Max Scherzer ruled out for the starting assignment after pitching on Sunday, deGrom is in the conversation to be tabbed. The Dodgers’ Zack Greinke, now 8-2 with a 1.39 ERA, is the probable choice.
“If I did get to start, it would be a lot of fun,” deGrom said.
Last week when the Mets were in San Francisco, he spoke to Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who will be his manager on Tuesday. The 27-year-old didn’t find out where in the game he might pitch or how many innings he could be asked to throw, but he said Bochy said he should expect to get into the game.
DeGrom called receiving his All-Star Game uniform “a great honor,” and he and his wife were headed for a charter flight to Cincinnati after the Mets’ 5-3 win at Citi Field. “It’s kind of setting in now because I’m not pitching until then,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to going and playing in the All-Star Game.”
DeGrom is putting together an excellent encore after winning the 2014 NL Rookie of the Year. He feels he is growing and improving as a pitcher, which has allowed him to keep the success going.
“I think just being able to adjust to hitters during the game” is the biggest improvement, deGrom said. “My off-speed (pitch) has been a little more consistent. Being able to throw the 3-2 sliders and changeups? That’s helped me out a lot, where versus last year I’d probably throw a fastball on 3-2 every time.”
DeGrom sought out Michael Cuddyer and Daniel Murphy for their experiences of playing in the All-Star Game. He also exchanged text messages with injured Mets star David Wright. “They just said enjoy yourself and don’t get stressed out about what all is going on, just be yourself,” he said.
“So I’m just going out there and having fun and enjoying the time because you never know how many of these you’re going to make,” deGrom added.
Though he’s never been much for recording video of his experiences, deGrom said he is likely to document this trip “just because it’s my first time — and you never know if you’re going to make another one.”