The Mets are optimistic that deGrom (elbow) will be ready to make his return from the 60-day injured list by the second half of September after the MRI he underwent Wednesday revealed nothing concerning, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The club's optimism about deGrom's health was seemingly verified by the 33-year-old getting on the field Wednesday to play catch in what marked his first throwing activity since late July. The Mets likely won't pinpoint a more concrete target date for deGrom's return until he advances to facing hitters in his rehab, but before that happens, he'll need to extend his throwing distance off flat ground and complete multiple bullpen sessions. Fantasy managers will have to weigh whether stashing deGrom on the bench or in an injured reserve slot is worthwhile for what will likely be 2-to-3 high-impact starts -- at most -- for the remainder of the season.