NEW YORK _ If the New York Mets want to contend, Jacob deGrom must be at his best.
It seems the ace knows and accepts this. For years, he has lost sleep dwelling on some games and what he would have done differently in them. That's an example of how he's always remained aware of the responsibility that comes with pitching in a starting rotation and, in recent seasons, anchoring one.
"I've always kind of put pressure on myself to go out there and perform," deGrom said on Tuesday. "And when that doesn't happen, I'm pretty disappointed with that."
He believes that mindset has helped him reach this point in his career _ two Cy Young Awards, three All-Star selections and a National League Rookie of the Year award. The right-hander is arguably the sport's top starting pitcher.
As of now, it appears deGrom will make his second career opening day start on Friday when the Mets play the Braves at Citi Field.
"It's an honor," deGrom said. "It's awesome to be out there for the first game. It's something that means a lot and definitely something that I enjoy doing and hopefully get it this time."
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For a moment last week, deGrom's opening day status came into question when back tightness limited him to one inning in his tuneup start. DeGrom on Tuesday said that tightness is "totally in the past." He threw a bullpen session Tuesday, tossing 13 fastballs. He'll throw again on Wednesday in preparation for the opener.
DeGrom admitted pitching this season will be different because fans won't be in the stands, but "when somebody steps in the box I want to get them out." Yes, even in games that don't count. In Sunday's simulated outing, he tallied nine strikeouts in 14 at-bats and his fastball sat at 98-100 mph.
Soon, the pressure will return.
DeGrom had a stretch of rough starts toward the beginning of last season, and he's often said he wishes he could have them back. In a 60-game season, a poor three starts would make up 25% of a starting pitcher's campaign. There is little room for error.
"I feel like I need to give our team a good win," deGrom said. "Give them a chance to win. And that's my goal. That's kind of how I take the mound. I don't like giving up runs. And it does really bother me.
"But definitely in a 60-game you're going to feel more pressure. You only get so many times out there and you feel like you need to be on your game every day."
DeGrom, though, has shown an ability to get hot. He holds a career-high scoreless innings streak of 27. In his final 28 innings last season, deGrom only surrendered one run, a tear that locked up the National League CY Young.
For months, reporters have asked deGrom if he can win the award three consecutive seasons. Because of those questions, the thought has trickled into his mind. Of course, he said, it's always a personal goal. The team goal is obviously to win a World Series.
As the Mets sprint through the 2020 season, their ace will lead the way.
"Go out there and compete and do the best I can," deGrom said. "As long as I can look at myself in the mirror after the game and know I gave 100% and not dwell on what happened in the past then I feel like I like where I'll be at."
