Jacob deGrom placed on MLB's emergency family list

The New York Mets have placed starting pitcher Jacob deGrom on the bereavement/family emergency list due to an unknown health issue with his newborn son Jaxon. The move will keep deGrom off the active roster for the next three to seven days, and infielder Eric Campbell has been called up to take his spot on the 25-man roster.

While it's a scary situation for Jacob, his wife Stacey, and their five-day-old son, the Mets are taking advantage of the added roster flexibility. deGrom has been sidelined with lat tightness since his first start of the season back on April 8. He pitched six shutout innings against the Philadelphia Phillies, but had to leave the game after throwing just 76 pitches. He also underwent an MRI on the ailing muscle. During spring training, deGrom said a bad mattress caused his back to tighten up. The Mets were considering moving him to the disabled list, and will now have a little more time to make that decision.

Logan Verrett will continue to act as a fifth starter in deGrom's absence, and Rafael Montero remains with the big league club as a long reliever. Verrett pitched brilliantly in his first spot start Wednesday against the Miami Marlins. He threw six shutout innings, allowing five baserunners and striking out six. He's scheduled to start again on Tuesday in Philadelphia. Campbell is also back from Las Vegas to provide Terry Collins some more flexibility off the bench.

But for deGrom, his son's health is far more pressing concern. Mike Puma offered this update:

Person who spoke to DeGrom said it doesn't sound as if situation with baby is life threatening. But there is concern.

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) April 16, 2016

The Amazin' Avenue team wishes Jaxon a speedy recovery, and nothing but the best for Jacob and Stacey.