Jacob deGrom Reduces ERA To 0.71, Continues Prolific Season

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 31: Starting pitcher Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on May 31, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Jacob deGrom‘s ERA is now 0.71 after the New York Mets’ 6-2 victory on Monday over the Arizona Diamondbacks. That is the lowest ERA by a pitcher in the month of May since 1964 when Chris Short of the Philadelphia Phillies held a 0.64 ERA. deGrom’s ERA is also the fourth-lowest of any player after their first eight starts since the early 1900’s.

In the contest against the Diamondbacks, deGrom pitched six innings with no runs allowed. He held Arizona to zero hits until the fifth inning. He also only allowed two hits, had eight strikeouts and registered zero walks. This was the right-hander’s 11th career game with over eight strikeouts, zero walks and zero runs allowed. This moves him to fourth on the all-time list for this statistic, the same spot which Hall of Famer Walter Johnson occupies.

“He was tremendous, you see this guy, it’s almost like he’s getting better and better every time he goes out there,” praised Mets manager Luis Rojas

deGrom was also noted for the velocity of his pitches on Monday night. He threw 27 of his pitches north of the 100 MPH mark, which is the third-highest in a single game since 2008.

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Even in Arizona, fans could be heard chanting “M-V-P” during deGrom’s superb performance on Monday.

“What we’re watching is definitely something special. In my mind, he’s in a league of his own,” commented Merril Kelly, pitcher for the Diamondbacks.

deGrom has allowed only four earned runs in the 51 innings he has pitched thus far this season. Through eight starts, he has permitted zero runs in three games, one run in four games and three unearned runs in one outing.

deGrom was previously on the injured list with pain on his right side. Monday’s game was deGrom’s second start since a two-week absence.

deGrom also hit 1-3 on Monday, moving his batting average to .450. “I’m trying to be the best hitter, as well, I don’t want to be an easy out up there,” assured deGrom.

Stay tuned for more updates on deGrom’s prolific season. He is the early favorite to win the National League Cy Young award.

Myles McPartland