Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom’s pending fatherhood leaves Friday start in doubt

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Right-hander Jacob deGrom will be the New York Mets’ starting pitcher Friday for the home opener, but with an asterisk.

DeGrom’s wife is expecting a baby in Florida. The due date was Tuesday, but the baby had not yet arrived as of that afternoon.

So deGrom is on call, keeping his cell phone with him at all times. He said he will stay with the team and leave only if called.

Manager Terry Collins is making alternative plans if deGrom is not available to start Friday against the Phillies.

“Don’t know yet,” Collins said on who would be his replacement starter.

He said it could be Bartolo Colon, who pitched in relief Sunday, or Steven Matz, who was not used in the two-game series with the Kansas City Royals. The Mets split the set by earning a 2-0 win Tuesday.

“Probably one of those two guys,” Collins said.

He acknowledged a third option, however, could be Matt Harvey, who was the starter and losing pitcher Sunday. Harvey would be working on his normal four days of rest with the Mets off Wednesday and Thursday.

Or the Philadelphia Phillies could be facing deGrom, a 14-game winner last year.