New York Mets Place Jacob deGrom on Family Leave

Apr 8, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The birth of a child is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but for New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom, that moment has taken a tragic turn.

One could understand if New York Mets starter Jacob deGrom has had a lot on his mind at the start of the 2016 season. He and his wife were expecting the birth of a son any day, an occasion that can distract anyone in any walk of life.

Unfortunately for deGrom, that moment has not gone as hoped. His son, who was born on Monday night, has had some medical complications. The Mets have placed deGrom on the MLB emergency family leave list, allowing deGrom to be with his wife an newborn as they battle through these issues.

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Manager Terry Collins has said that deGrom has been where one would expect, not sleeping much and is worried about the health of his son. Collins did not say whether or not the medical issues were life threatening, but that deGrom’s family and the health of his son were far more important than any baseball game could be.

“I have spoken to him every day, he’s where you would expect him to be,” Collins said. “He’s not sleeping much.”

This is not the type of situation that anyone wants to go through. Any medical situation with an infant is frightening enough, but the idea that their child could be facing quite the extensive battle would weight quite heavily on anyone. Needless to say, deGrom has something far more important than pitching in a baseball game to focus on.

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Our thoughts are certainly with Jacob deGrom as he and his family are dealing with this unfortunate situation. Medical emergencies are stressful enough, but hopefully his young son can pull through.