Mets reportedly hoping Jacob deGrom can make two MLB starts before trade deadline

So much has been made over the past week about the long-term future of New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom that some casual fans may have forgotten he hasn't pitched in a meaningful MLB game since July 7, 2021. The two-time National League Cy Young Award winner missed the second half of last season because of lingering elbow problems and has been sidelined throughout the 2022 campaign due to a stress reaction in the scapula of his pitching shoulder.

Currently, the plan remains for deGrom to make a second rehab appearance for Single-A St. Lucie on Friday. It appears the Mets have at least an idea of what they'd like to see from the 34-year-old with the big-league club later this month.

Jon Heyman reported for the New York Post on Thursday that the Mets are "hoping" deGrom can make two MLB starts before the Aug. 2 trade deadline so they can better determine if they need to make a move for a different starter before that date.

When healthy during the spring of 2021, deGrom was considered a betting favorite to earn both Cy Young and Most Valuable Player honors. However, the first-place Mets cannot flirt with the idea he'll automatically reclaim that form or remain healthy through this summer and early fall without at least seeing him in action against top-tier competition.

For now, deGrom must first successfully complete a reported "three or four more rehab starts" without suffering any additional setback.