Jacob deGrom scratched with elbow issue that will likely end his season

Mets GM Sandy Alderson announced the news on Saturday

Mets GM Sandy Alderson announced on Saturday that right-hander Jacob deGrom has been scratched from his upcoming start because of issues with the ulnar nerve in his throwing elbow. Alderson also said that deGrom is unlikely to pitch again this season (via Joel Sherman on Twitter). DeGrom is also likely facing surgery.

Although deGrom hasn't pitched since Sept. 1 due to forearm soreness, the Mets had ramped up plans for deGrom, from an initial bullpen role upon his return to starting against the Twins on Sunday. Now, however, all of that's no longer a possibility.

Consider this a reminder that things can turn on a dime for pitchers:

Depressed Collins said he watched DeGrom's bullpen yesterday. "It was outstanding, and then 15 minutes later he said he couldn't pitch."

— John Harper (@NYDNHarper) September 17, 2016

This season, deGrom, 28, has pitched to a 3.04 ERA (132 ERA+) and 3.97 K/BB ratio in 24 starts. In 2015, he was a key part of a young Mets rotation that ferried them to the World Series. For his efforts, he finished seventh in the NL Cy Young balloting.

The loss of deGrom means that the Mets will move forward with a rotation that, in addition to Noah Syndergaard and Bartolo Colon, includes Seth Lugo, Gabriel Ynoa, and Robert Gsellman. The Mets enter play on Saturday with a two-game lead over the Cardinals for the second and final NL wild-card berth.