New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom, sidelined since spring training, pushes back his simulated game

NEW YORK -- New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom pushed back a simulated game scheduled for Tuesday after experiencing muscle soreness in his right shoulder.

New York said deGrom's soreness was mild, and the right-hander's live batting practice was delayed to Thursday "out of an abundance of caution."

The two-time Cy Young Award winner has been sidelined since spring training with a stress reaction in his right scapula.

He made his third minor league rehab start last Thursday, pitching four innings of one-run ball for Triple-A Syracuse. He has been expected to return shortly after the All-Star break.

The Mets say he played catch Monday and Tuesday before opting not to face hitters at the team's spring complex in Florida.