Mets RHP Jacob deGrom will pitch a simulated game on Tuesday, which means his first official Grapefruit League start could be Sunday, March 11.
With deGrom on an every-fifth-day schedule, making his first official start on March 11 (and making three more starts after that) would put him on track to start the second game of the season on Saturday, March 31 against the Cardinals at Citi Field.
DeGrom has been dealing with lower back stiffness, and after throwing a side session last Wednesday, he said he was on track for Opening Day.
"I think if things keep going smooth, I don't think there's a reason I shouldn't be (ready)," he said, adding that he only needs to reach 75 or so pitches by the end of Spring Training to be stretched out enough to start the regular season.