Jacob deGrom Removed by Mets for Precautionary Reasons in Return from Injury

New York Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom didn't suffer an injury in Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies despite pitching just one inning.

According to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo, the Mets wanted to be proactive after a rain delay halted the game for an hour. DeGrom also needed 45 pitches to get out of the first inning.

The immediate concern was deGrom's exit being tied to the hyperextended right elbow injury that landed him on the disabled list earlier this month. 

Injury aside, deGrom has been excellent in 2018. He was 3-0 with a 1.87 ERA in his first seven starts, and his 1.7 WAR is tied for seventh-best among qualified pitchers, per FanGraphs.

Another injury to deGrom would encapsulate New York's recent reversal of fortunes. The Mets got off to an 11-1 start to the 2018 season but dropped 16 of their next 24 games. They entered Sunday 3.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East and two games back of a wild-card place.