Mets’ deGrom seeks one last quality start

ONE MORE TIME

Jacob deGrom will make the final start of what has been a remarkably consistent season that has him a favorite for the NL Cy Young Award. It also is the last chance for deGrom (9-9) to have a winning record and reach double digits in victories. The Mets right-hander’s win total likely would have made him an underdog for the Cy Young in previous decades, but voters are increasingly looking beyond win-loss record to numbers that are more within a pitcher’s control. And nobody has controlled opposing hitters like deGrom, who has a record 23 consecutive quality starts, 28 starts in a row allowing three runs or fewer and a 1.77 ERA. He is to face the NL East champion Braves and Sean Newcomb (12-9, 4.04 ERA), who will make his last start before the playoffs.

ONLY WRIGHT

David Wright has been reinstated from the disabled list and added to the New York Mets’ active roster for the first time since June 3, 2016.

After a long road back from a string of injuries, the 35-year-old team captain will be eligible off the bench Tuesday night against NL East champion Atlanta — if the game is played. Heavy rain has been falling throughout the day in New York, and the tarp is covering the infield at Citi Field.

Assistant general manager John Ricco says it’s unlikely Wright will play during the three-game series because the Braves are trying to earn home-field advantage in the Division Series, and the Mets don’t want to compromise the integrity of the pennant race.

It’s possible Wright could pinch-hit if the score is lopsided.

Wright is scheduled to start at third base in his farewell game Saturday night against last-place Miami. He hasn’t played in the majors since May 27, 2016, due to neck, back and shoulder injuries that required surgery.

Unable to get healthy enough to resume his career in earnest, Wright said he expects this weekend to be his last big league appearance.

SHORT-TERM SALE

Red sox ace Chris Sale gets one more chance to work his way back into form after missing a month with a shoulder injury. The lefthander (12-4, 2.00 ERA) threw 73 pitches in 3 1/3 innings in his last start, the longest outing of his three since returning from the disabled list. He’ll start the nightcap of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles after Tuesday’s rainout in Boston. The Red Sox have clinched the AL East and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

AMERICAN DEBUT

Felix Hernandez will make the 403rd start of his big league career and his first as an American citizen. The 32-year-old from Venezuela became a naturalized citizen during a ceremony in Seattle on Monday. On the mound, it’s been a disappointing season for the 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner, who had a long run as one of baseball’s best pitchers. He was briefly demoted to the bullpen last month, and his 5.46 ERA is nearly a full run higher than his careerworst. He faces the playoffbound Oakland Athletics and resurgent veteran Edwin Jackson (6-3, 3.18 ERA).