A neck ailment will keep Jacob deGrom from taking the mound Friday. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Mets scratch ace Jacob deGrom with stiff neck

Jacob deGrom won't take the bump for the New York Mets versus division foes the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Friday.

The Mets and deGrom confirmed on Friday that he was scratched from the start due to a stiff neck that has bothered him since his performance against the Miami Marlins last Sunday. 

Joel Sherman of the New York Post documented deGrom's comments to reporters: 

The 32-year-old two-time reigning National League Cy Young Award winner added that he doesn't believe this issue is tied to the sore back he dealt with before Opening Day, and also that he will handle things day-to-day and won't immediately go on the injured list. 

Thus far, deGrom has started four games and holds a 2-0 record with a 2.45 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. 

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