The New York Mets have been having a fantastic season. They enter the All-Star break leading the National League West by a couple of games ahead of the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves at 58-35. What's particularly impressive with what the Mets have done thus far is the success without Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer.

Scherzer missed about half of the season so far, dealing with an oblique strain. But the Mets true ace, deGrom, is yet to pitch this season. Because the Mets have still done so well this season, they have been very cautious with his recovery. He has been progressing nicely and was slated to throw a simulated game. However, that has now been pushed back.

According to Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo, deGrom experienced muscle soreness around his shoulder on Sunday. He played catch on Monday and Tuesday without issue, which is a good sign, but the Mets pushed his simulated game to Thursday.

Jacob deGrom was slated to start the season until he suffered a stress reaction in his right scapula. That forced the Mets to shut him down completely and place him on the 60-day injured list. The former All-Star last appeared in a Major League game on July 7, 2021. He had to be shut down last season dealing with a forearm issue.

Prior to getting hurt, deGrom was pitching as well as anyone in the world. He posted an insane 1.08 ERA and 0.55 WHIP across 15 starts.

It makes sense for the Mets to be extra cautious with their ace. Zack Wheeler has been outstanding this year, and Scherzer has returned to the team. The Mets are eyeing a World Series title and having a healthy deGrom in October means more than July.