Mets' Jacob deGrom 'remains at least a month away from a return'

The news broke earlier on Monday that New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom would be having a follow-up MRI and CT scan at some point during the day to examine the stress reaction in the scapula of his pitching shoulder that's prevented him from making a single start this season. 

According to Anthony DiComo of the Mets' website, general manager Billy Eppler said that the club will release an update on deGrom "when appropriate." Regardless of what was seen, it's clear the two-time Cy Young Award winner isn't all that close to taking the bump for a meaningful game. 

DiComo noted that deGrom "remains at least a month away from a return" and "will require three to five Minor League rehab starts" before he rejoins the active roster. The 33-year-old who hasn't pitched in a regular season game since July 7 of last year theoretically could remain out of the rotation until after the All-Star break this coming July.

"Obviously, we want him back as soon as possible," Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner said. "But you’ve got to really make sure that he’s built up properly, and everyone feels good, he feels good. … We need to make sure that not only are we doing what’s best for the Mets, trying to win the World Series this year, but also what’s best for the player." 

Hefner added the Mets will "play the long game with" deGrom's recovery.

Team doctors could clear deGrom for bullpen sessions this week depending on the results of the latest imaging tests. Based on a timeline that includes deGrom completing up to five rehab appearances, he could make his first big league start for the Mets this season as early as the middle of June or as late as July.