In a bit of unsurprising news, Mets manager Luis Rojas announced Saturday that he expects Jacob deGrom to take the ball when the Mets open the regular season against the Nationals on April 1.
The right-hander, who will also get the spring training start against the Astros on Saturday, was the team’s Opening Day starter in each of the last two seasons, as well.
“That's where it's lined up,” Rojas said. “He's our No. 1 guy, if you want to call him that, so we're setting him up to be the Opening Day starter.”
Rojas said that with the spring schedule constantly in flux, there was some debate as to whether or not deGrom would stay back in Port St. Lucie to pitch a simulated game. But the decision was made to let him pitch against Houston and get his schedule lined up so that he can be at full strength for Opening Day.
After Saturday's two-inning performance, deGrom was asked about taking the ball for his third Opening Day start with the Mets.
"It’s definitely an honor. It’s something that I look forward to and really do appreciate," deGrom said. "I mean, I was nervous before today, so now looking forward to Opening Day, it’s something that’s exciting."
If all goes to plan and deGrom does indeed take the ball on April 1, he will become just the sixth Met to make at least three Opening Day starts on the mound, joining Tom Seaver (11), Dwight Gooden (eight), Tom Glavine (four), Johan Santana (four), and Al Leiter (three).
"Every time I’m mentioned with those guys, it’s an honor as well," said deGrom. "I go out there and try to have fun and compete at the best of my ability. The main thing is having fun playing this game. When you’re mentioned with guys like that, it truly is an honor and something that I try not to think too much about … trying to keep things simple, but the more it’s mentioned the more you start to think about it.
"It definitely is a cool thing."
And while announcing the decision to give deGrom the ball to open the season was a mere formality, Rojas knows that showcases just how much the former Cy Young Award-winner means to the team.
“Everyone knows that's where he falls into place,” Rojas said. “The rest of the pitchers here look up to him, not only for his abilities on the field, but the way he carries himself. He's one of the first people the clubhouse every day. He's always early, working hard and has a plan with everything he does. Plus what he's done in recent years from earning the Rookie of the Year to Cy Young Awards. You can call it an easy decision but everyone's expecting him to be the guy on Opening Day.”
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Mets' Jacob deGrom to make Opening Day start vs. Nationals: 'It’s definitely an honor' - Yahoo Sports
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