The New York Mets are experiencing a massive collapse at the worst possible time, as their playoff spot is slipping away with just a few weeks remaining. The team is coming off a midweek sweep by the Phillies, marking their fifth consecutive loss and landing them on the wrong side of the history books.
“The Mets are the only MLB team in the modern era to score 4+ runs in the first inning but have nobody reach base the rest of the game and end up losing,” Opta Stats posted.
Things won’t get any easier on Friday as former face of the franchise Jacob deGrom returns to Citi Field for the first time since leaving. While it’s a homecoming for deGrom, it could also add to the emotional weight on the Mets’ roster.
“I’m excited to go and pitch at Citi Field,” DeGrom said on Wednesday in Arlington. “That’s where my career started, so it holds a special place in my heart. It’ll be fun. I’m looking forward to it. I think their alumni game is going on there, too, so a lot of guys that I came up with will be there as well. It’ll be an all-around cool experience.”
DeGrom will enter his start on Saturday linked to Sandy Koufax in the record books.
“Jacob deGrom of the Rangers has a 2.12 ERA in 696.2 career IP at Citi Field and now makes his 1st start there since leaving the Mets in 2022. The only pitcher in the live-ball era (since 1920) with a lower ERA at any park (min. 500 IP) is Sandy Koufax – 1.37 at Dodger Stadium,” Opta Stats posted.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
DeGrom will likely receive a tribute from New York, well deserved for all he brought to the organization. He once protected his home field with remarkable tenacity — a rare and admirable trait in a pitcher. On Friday, the focus will be on continuing success at Citi Field, just for the Rangers this time.
