Mets ace Jacob deGrom to throw bullpen session Thursday

The New York Mets already plan to add at least one reliable arm to the starting rotation shortly after Friday's trade deadline. 

They're hoping their best asset won't be far behind. 

According to SNY, Mets manager Luis Rojas told reporters ahead of Wednesday's home game versus the Atlanta Braves that ace and two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom will throw a bullpen session Thursday and is "feeling better and better each day" as he works to recover from the forearm tightness that has him on the injured list and has prevented him from making a start since before the All-Star break.

"I don't think he's fully night and day, but I think he's progressing," Rojas added about deGrom. 

The 33-year-old once thought to be a legitimate NL Most Valuable Player candidate earlier this season is hoped to be on track to return to New York's rotation at some point in early August, and Thursday's session will help determine if and when deGrom can make a rehab start. He holds a 7-2 record with a 1.08 ERA and 0.55 WHIP on the campaign but has dealt with multiple injury setbacks since the beginning of April. 

Meanwhile, veteran Carlos Carrasco is expected to make his big-league Mets debut Friday against the Cincinnati Reds. Carrasco joined the club along with shortstop Francisco Lindor via a January trade from the Cleveland Indians but has missed the entire MLB season due to a torn hamstring he first suffered in March. 

The Mets may also acquire a different starter through a trade before Friday's deadline.