Jacob DeGrom Pitching In Syracuse Next Week

[jncuse]

Also, looking at his career stats - how did he not make the majors until he was 26? Was he hurt a lot in the minors? Late bloomer?

One of the best late bloomer situations in recent times. Seems to be one of those stories of getting a more powerful arm after your first Tommy John surgery and learning a new pitch.

- At 22, in 2010, he was drafted in the 9th round with a $90,000 bonus.

- In 2010, Despite being a 22 year old college senior he struggled in Rookie Ball! (ERA of 5.19, Whip of 1.58),until suffering a major injury. I don't think he was highly regarded at this point -- I don't even think he was worth a throw in.

- Missed all of 2011. In 2011 had Tommy John surgery and apparently learned a change up from Johan Santana per Wiki (bringing the conversation full circle!)

- At the age of 24 he finally makes it to A-Ball, where he pitches very well.

- At the age of 25 he actually struggles a bit at both AA and AAA.

- At the age of 26, starts in AAA, has 7 good starts in Las Vegas to start the season, gets called up and the rest is history.

 

[OrangeXtreme]