Four-time National League All-Star and Stetson University alum scheduled to start against the Tortugas
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The New York Mets and St. Lucie Mets have announced that two-time Cy Young award winner and Volusia County native RHP Jacob deGrom will make a start at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Friday, July 8, against the Daytona Tortugas as part of his scheduled rehab assignment.
Gates will open for Friday’s contest at 6 p.m. ET. The first pitch for the matchup between the Mets and Tortugas is slated for 7:05 p.m. Limited tickets are still available online at www.daytonatortugas.com, by calling the box office at 386-257-3172, or by visiting the team offices at 110 East Orange Avenue in downtown Daytona Beach.
deGrom is returning from a stress reaction in his right scapula and made his first rehab start with St. Lucie on Sunday evening against the Jupiter Hammerheads. The 34-year-old struck out five of the six hitters he faced, hitting one batter, throwing 24 pitches and 18 strikes over 1.2 innings.
A DeLand, Fla. native and resident, deGrom attended Stetson University in his hometown where he starred as a shortstop and, eventually, a right-handed pitcher. In 105 games as a collegiate hitter, the left-handed swinger posted a .255 average (84-330) with 13 extra-base hits, one home run, and 34 RBI. As a pitcher for the Hatters in 2010, deGrom tallied a 4-5 mark with a 4.48 ERA (41 ER in 82.1 IP) in 17 appearances (12 starts).
Since making his Major League debut with the Mets on May 15, 2014, deGrom has been one of the best pitchers in the sport. In 198 career MLB starts, the right-handed thrower holds a 77-53 record with a 2.50 ERA (350 ER in 1261.2 IP) and 1,505 strikeouts (10.74 SO/9).
Before his 2021 season was cut short due to injury, the eight-year Major Leaguer compiled a 7-2 record with a microscopic 1.08 ERA (11 ER in 92.0 IP), 11 walks, and 146 strikeouts over 15 starts. deGrom is a two-time Cy Young Award winner in 2018 and 2019 and has been elected to four All-Star Games. The right-hander also won the 2014 National League Rookie of the Year and was Major League Baseball’s ERA champion (1.70) in 2018.
deGrom was selected by the New York Mets in the ninth round (272nd overall) of the 2010 MLB Draft out of Stetson University (DeLand, Fla.).
‘The Nine’ Night returns as part of the festivities on Friday. The Tortugas will pay homage as part of Minor League Baseball’s focused outreach platform designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport. As part of the celebration, the first 1,000 fans through the gates that night will receive a limited edition Tortugas’ Black Rose ‘The Nine’ T-Shirt Giveaway. Tortugas’ players and coaches will don Best Dressed Uniforms, as well, to pay homage, which will be auctioned off during the season. Prior to the first pitch, fans will also be able to enjoy Live Music from Tropical Drifter on the third-base riverwalk. Friday Night Happy Hour comes back to the ballpark, too, with special discounts on select draft beers at the concession stands. After the game’s final out, fans are encouraged to hang around for a First Friday Fireworks extravaganza.
RHP Ryan Cardona (3-1, 3.60) is expected to oppose the All-Star. Gates open at 6 p.m. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:50 p.m. leading up to the 7:05 p.m. first pitch from Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
The series continues for both teams on Wednesday evening. RHP Javi Rivera (2-3, 2.68) is expected to take the hill for Daytona, as they look to return to the win column. St. Lucie is scheduled to counter with LHP Javier Atencio (2-0, 2.20) — New York’s No. 23 prospect per Baseball America. Gates open at 6 p.m. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:50 p.m. leading up to the 7:05 p.m. first pitch from Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
Season tickets, multi-game plans, group packages, and single-game tickets are currently available and can be purchased online at www.daytonatortugas.com or by calling the Tortugas’ Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.
ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS
The Daytona Tortugas are the Single-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.
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