Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer took their next steps toward returning to the New York Mets' rotation on Wednesday.

deGrom, sidelined since last July 7, threw 27 pitches to hitters in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and could progress to a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment.

Scherzer has been sidelined since straining his left oblique muscle while pitching on May 18. He made his second rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Wednesday night.

He allowed three runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings, striking out eight and walking one before he was relieved. He threw 80 pitches, including 57 strikes.