Mets' Jacob deGrom feeling better, wants to pitch Opening Day

One day after New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom underwent an MRI on his sore back, the 32-year-old two-time Cy Young Award winner told reporters he still wants the ball for the July 24 Opening Day showdown versus division rivals the Atlanta Braves. 

"I think it was just kind of a random thing as far as, woke up a little stiff. ... These past few days I've felt good," deGrom said of the temporary setback that chased him from Tuesday's intrasquad game after an inning of work, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). 

"Having everything checked out and checking all those boxes definitely makes me feel better about this situation," he added. 

Manager Luis Rojas wasn't committed to starting deGrom against the Braves, as he explained the club will first wait to see how the right-hander feels on a day-to-day basis. 

The Mets face the New York Yankees in a pair of exhibition games over the weekend. If deGrom is cleared, he could take the bump during a portion of Sunday's outing.