Jacob deGrom has been scratched from Friday night's start in Philadelphia against the Phillies due to neck tightness. Walker Lockett will start in deGrom's place.
DeGrom said he has been dealing with "lingering" neck tightness but that everything is "structurally fine."
Adding that he threw off the mound on Thursday., deGrom said that while he could have pitched on Friday, he was worried about putting the team in a bad spot if he started the game and was unable to provide length due to the neck issue.
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DeGrom said he planned to throw off the mound again on either Sunday or Monday and that he would go from there. As far as when his next start would be, deGrom said it's not yet been determined if he'll be pushed back a few days or miss a full rotation turn.
"It's definitely not as bad as it was earlier this week," deGrom explained "Like I said, I think we're headed in the right direction. But as far as how I felt so far (this season), I felt really good. And I think that's what is so frustrating is I don't know where it came from."
DeGrom dealt with an issue on his right middle finger during his last start on Aug. 9, which caused him to have trouble locating his pitches and led in part to him lasting only five innings.
After the game, deGrom said he felt like he was getting a blister, but that he told the team during the game that he was fine.
Speaking Friday, deGrom said there was no longer an issue with his finger. He also said the neck issue had nothing to do with the back issue that bothered him late during Summer Camp.
Shortly after deGrom spoke, Mets manager Luis Rojas said "we're not concerned from a long-term standpoint that this is that serious"
Asked when deGrom might start next, Rojas said the team is taking it day-to-day and will have to see how deGrom responds after throwing again.