Jacob deGrom is seeing a doctor on Monday, which is enough to scare any Mets fan accustomed to bad news.

In this case, the visit does not indicate a setback or even a new appointment, but a routine check-up with the Mets’ team physician, Dr. David Altchek, according to a club source.

In reality, the team still has very little idea about deGrom’s near-term future. In the best-case scenario, deGrom might return at the every end of the regular season.

The 33-year-old ace visited Dr. Neal ElAttrache, one of the most prominent elbow specialists in sports, in Los Angeles last week. He came away with the recommendation to rest for another two weeks, although his elbow inflammation showed some improvement.

The elbow issue is only the latest in a long list of physical issues that have spoiled what might have been an all-time season for deGrom. He was on the injured list earlier this year with a side injury, and has managed a variety of arm issues.

Generally, pitchers need the same number of weeks to ramp up to game action as they missed. In the best-case scenario -- that is, without any additional setbacks -- deGrom would miss another two weeks, then need about four weeks to ramp back up.

In other words, the Mets will have to win the National League East largely without him. If they are on track for the postseason, and deGrom heals perfectly, he could return for a shortened start or two in late September. Those appearances could serve as tune-ups for the playoffs.

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