LOS ANGELES — The Mets don’t know for sure if Jacob deGrom will return this season, but they at least know the earliest potential date he can pitch for the team again.
That was established as Sept. 13, after the Mets transferred the right-hander to the 60-day injured list Friday upon claiming right-handed pitcher Heath Hembree off waivers from the Reds.
Hembree, a reliever who has appeared in 45 games this season and posted a 6.38 ERA, likely will join the Mets on their next homestand, according to manager Luis Rojas.
DeGrom is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam Wednesday that will determine if the swelling in his right elbow has subsided enough for him to resume throwing. The Mets ace was placed on the 10-day IL after returning from the All-Star break with tightness in his right forearm.
The Mets said in a statement that deGrom’s transfer to the 60-day IL doesn’t reflect a change in his status or timeline for a potential return. DeGrom’s move to the 60-day IL cleared space on the 40-man roster for Hembree.
James McCann was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Aug. 17, with back spasms. Rojas initially said McCann — who was set to miss his fourth straight start Friday — was feeling “better,” but that was before the catcher underwent further evaluation. It leaves the Mets with their top two catchers on the IL because Tomas Nido has been sidelined with a sprained left thumb. Geoff Hartlieb was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to provide an arm in the bullpen. Patrick Mazeika continued starting behind the plate with Chance Sisco as the backup.
Rojas stopped just short of saying Francisco Lindor and Javier Baez will return directly to the Mets — likely within the next week — instead of heading to the minor leagues for rehab assignments. Baez is eligible for removal from the IL on Sunday, and Lindor can return at any point.
“It’s still pending to see if they will be activated this weekend or next series,” Rojas said.
Baez, who is recovering from back spasms, took batting practice and grounders. Lindor, who is on the IL with an oblique strain, faced live pitching from both sides of the plate and took grounders.
Even so, Rojas wasn’t prepared to definitely say both players will skip a minor league rehab assignment.
“They look really good, we have achieved a lot,” Rojas said. “But I don’t want to cement it yet.”
Noah Syndergaard is expected to face hitters in live batting practice Saturday for the second time since ramping up his rehab in recent weeks. The right-hander, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, also faced batters on Tuesday in San Francisco.
Jake Reed was placed on the IL with right forearm discomfort and Yennsy Diaz was recalled from Syracuse.