Jacob deGrom scratched from start has Mets fans panicking again

Jacob deGrom has been scratched from Friday’s start and it’s time to worry, Mets fans.

The rollercoaster season for the New York Mets continues. Pitcher Marcus Stroman opted out of the 2020 MLB season due to COVID-19 concerns, the bats came to life against the Washington Nationals and outfielder Jeff McNeil suffered left leg injury after colliding into the left-field wall while making a running catch on Thursday.

Mets fans were calm entering their game on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies because ace Jacob deGrom was taking the mound. But now, they’re panicking.

deGrom was scratched by the team hours before his start, with many speculating that the cause was a “hot spot” he developed on his middle finger during his last pitching appearance. But when speaking with the media, deGrom revealed he’s dealing with neck stiffness.

As long as deGrom only missed one start, it won’t be the end of the world

deGrom last pitched on Aug. 9 against the Miami Marlins, but experienced tightness in his neck following the game. While throwing off the mound on Thursday, deGrom said he told pitching coach Jeremy Hefner that he could pitch for Friday. After waking up on the day of his scheduled start, deGrom decided it was best for him to play it safe and sit out of the contest.

Mets fans can take solace in the fact that this isn’t a serious injury for deGrom. Given how important games in the shortened season are, sitting out was a wise decision for the player and the team.

deGrom, as usual, is the Mets’ consistent option in the starting rotation. Through four games this season, the reigning NL Cy Young winner has recorded a 2.45 ERA, a 0.955 WHIP and 28 strikeouts over 22.2 innings pitched.

Looking to gain ground in the NL East race, the Mets will now rely upon Walker Lockett in his first appearance this season. Lockett appeared in nine games last year but recorded a bloated 8.34 ERA, where he allowed 21 earned runs and 33 hits in 22.1 innings pitched.

The Mets appeared to have dodged a major bullet on Friday with deGrom, but all eyes will be on the next couple of days to see if the ace can be healthy enough for his next scheduled start.