KANSAS CITY -- Before emerging from the dugout to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium, Jacob deGrom made sure to check his phone. He carried it with him throughout the clubhouse, giving it to a trainer for safekeeping during the Mets' finale against the Royals.
If deGrom's wife goes into labor during a game, the team's training staff planned to let him know. Otherwise, deGrom will remain tethered to his phone until the couple's first child arrives.
"I've had my phone on me a little more than I normally do," deGrom said, laughing. "I'm excited. I'm just waiting to see what happens."
So, too, are the Mets, who have a vested interest in a baby that was originally due on Tuesday. Early in the afternoon, deGrom spoke to his wife, who relayed her expectation that the baby will not come until at least Wednesday. deGrom is currently scheduled to start the Mets' home opener against the Phillies on Friday at 1:10 p.m. ET, though a birth around that time could force the Mets to turn to Bartolo Colon or Steven Matz instead.
For now, deGrom will remain with the team, flying back to New York on Tuesday night. His wife is based in Florida, where deGrom will join her when the baby arrives.
The Mets hope deGrom is able to fit their home opener into his schedule as well, but they have more than enough pitching depth to accommodate deGrom if the birth interferes.
"I'm just waiting to see what happens," deGrom said. "If she calls, then I'll be heading to Florida. But I'm still getting ready to pitch the home opener. I'm definitely excited for both."