Mets' Jacob DeGrom Scratched From Start with Back ...

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.-- File this one away in the catalogue of weird baseball injuries: Metsright-hander Jacob deGrom was scratched from his scheduled start against the Detroit Tigers Mondaydue to back stiffness, which he believes resulted fromsleeping on a soft mattress.

DeGrom said he felt hisold bed wasn't firm enough, so he overnighted a new mattress at the recommendation of rotation mate Matt Harvey."I think it was too soft," deGrom said. "I ordered a firm mattress and had it overnighted.

Seemed to make a difference."DeGrom said the decision to skip the outing was precautionary, as he didn't want to risk aggravating his back with a two-hour drive to Lakeland. Instead, he stayed at Tradition Field and threwapproximately 40 pitches with "no issues" during an extended bullpen session.

"I think it's more precautionary because I didn't want to ride on the bus for a couple hours and then go try to pitch," deGrom said.Right-hander Seth Lugo will start against the Tigers in deGrom's place. DeGrom said he hopes to return to the moundon Thursday or Friday.

An uncomfortable night of sleep also caused left-hander Steven Matz to miss a scheduled start last fall, as he developed back stiffness after sleeping on a sofa.DeGrom also suffered a mild groin injuryearlier this spring, but he said he doesn't believe the two ailments are related. He still plans on being ready for Opening Day should he be tapped to start against the Kansas City Royals on April 3.

"I'll be fine," deGrom said.Maria Guardado may be reached . Follow her on Twitter@mi_guardado.

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