KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The New York Mets continue to pencil in Jacob deGrom for Friday's home-opener start against the Philadelphia Phillies, although those plans could change.
DeGrom's wife Stacey had been due with the couple's first child Tuesday, but she has yet to go into labor, according to deGrom. He plans to travel to Florida to be with his wife once he gets word the childbirth is imminent.
"I'm excited about both," deGrom said. "If she calls, then I'll be headed to Florida. But I'm still getting ready to pitch the home opener."
If deGrom's family event interrupts his Friday availability, the Mets plan to have Steven Matz or Bartolo Colon take the start. If deGrom proceeds as originally planned, Colon would start Saturday and Matt Harvey would start Sunday against the Phillies. Matz then would start the series opener against the Miami Marlins on Monday.
The Mets have two days off after Tuesday's game in Kansas City.
DeGrom said he is unsure if he would proceed with Friday's start if his son is born Wednesday or Thursday.
"I haven't thought that far ahead," he said. "I think I'm just waiting to see what happens."
As for the baby's name, deGrom said: "We haven't settled yet. We're pretty close to settling. We'll tell whenever he comes out what we decided to go with."
