DeGrom (back) threw a 30-pitch simulated game Tuesday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.
According to Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record, deGrom, who is recovering from lower-back stiffness, will need to face live hitters four more times, either in simulated games or actual Grapefruit League action, before the Mets clear him for the regular season. The multiple checkpoints leave deGrom's availability in question for Opening Day, though the Mets are optimistic the right-hander will at least avoid a stint on the disabled list.