MLB

Mets’ pitcher deGrom turning heads at Triple-A

FAST TRACK: Jacob deGrom, pictured with the Double-A Binghamton Mets earlier in the season, was promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas last month (
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PITTSBURGH — On deck, Jacob deGrom?

Carlos Torres will be the ninth different starting pitcher the Mets have used this season when he takes the mound tomorrow at PNC Park, and though there is no obvious answer as to who would be next in line should another injury hit the rotation, deGrom is fast emerging as a possibility.

The 25-year-old deGrom is 2-1 with a 3.03 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Las Vegas and has outshined highly regarded prospect Rafael Montero, according to a club official. In four of his five starts, deGrom has allowed two earned runs or fewer.

“The scouts are really starting to take notice of [deGrom],” the official said.

PICK YOUR METS ALL-TIME ALL-STAR TEAM

DeGrom, who was promoted from Double-A Binghamton last month, has been clocked consistently in the 94-97 mph range.

Torres is scheduled to fill Shaun Marcum’s spot in the rotation until Jon Niese returns from the disabled list, presumably in August, but the Mets will be closely monitoring deGrom’s progress.

* There was initial concern Lucas Duda’s rib cage injury would cost him most — if not all — of the second half, but that prognosis has changed. Duda, placed on the disabled list on June 22, has begun baseball activities in recent days, and the Mets are hopeful he can start a rehab assignment this month.

* Bobby Parnell had two dominant months to begin the season, but a rough stretch in June likely cost the right-hander a chance to make his first All-Star team.

Nevertheless, Parnell, who is 5-4 with a 2.41 ERA with 16 saves in 19 chances, said he wasn’t disappointed he missed the cut. Jason Grilli, Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman were the NL closers selected.

“I thought I pitched well,” Parnell said. “I’ve still got some little things to work on, but I feel like I’ve got plenty of time to make the All-Star team. I’m not pressing to make one. I’m not disappointed I didn’t make it.”