Jacob DeGrom: Mets Have 'Good Chance' Of Winning NL East
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Jacob deGrom didn't pitch much in Tuesday night's MLB All-Star Game, but he made quite an impression nonetheless.
The Mets' ace, appearing in his first Midsummer Classic, was flawless in his one inning of work. The long-haired right-hander struck out all three batters he faced, needing just 10 pitches to do so.
DeGrom will have to continue to be brilliant in the season's second half if the Mets have any chance of reaching the postseason for the first time since 2006.
The laid-back Floridian likes New York's chances of making the playoffs, despite an offense that has struggled mightily to score runs.
"I think we have a good chance of (winning the National League East)," deGrom said, according to NJ.com. "If we keep pitching well and getting some big hits when we need it, we have a chance at it."
The Mets (47-42) won seven of nine games to close out the first half. They're in second place in the NL East -- two games behind the Nationals -- and are a game behind the Cubs for the second NL wild-card berth.
New York is missing key pieces in third baseman David Wright, catcher Travis d'Arnaud and lefty Steven Matz. It's unclear when -- or if -- they'll return.
"I think we're doing good with what we got," deGrom said, according to the website. "We have to keep that mindset of not knowing when they're going to come back. Just go out there every game and not really worry about that."
The Mets will open the second half of their season on Friday night against the league-best Cardinals in St. Louis.
