Mets lefty Steven Matz, who’s been out for over a month with shoulder trouble, could return this week, ESPN’s Roger Rubin writes. Matz threw a successful 30-pitch bullpen session Saturday, then took a scheduled day off today.
Today against the Twins, the Mets had rookie Gabriel Ynoa make his first big-league start after five bullpen outings. The Mets hope Matz will be a candidate to pitch when that turn in the rotation comes up again on Friday, although they note that they will monitor his workload.
“We have no plans yet. Nothing’s written. Steven Matz’s name certainly will be in the mix,” says manager Terry Collins. “But Steven, when he gets here, is going to be a guy with a limit in workload that he has. So to get him built up and get him where we want, I am not sure we have the starts available.”
Every game is crucial right now for the Mets, who are battling with the Giants and Cardinals for two Wild Card spots. And, of course, Matz’s return could impact the team in the playoffs should the Mets advance to play a full series. (Should the Mets play in the NL Wild Card game, Noah Syndergaard would be the obvious option to start.) The 25-year-old Matz has posted a 3.40 ERA with a strong 8.8 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 in 132 1/3 this year in his second full season in the big leagues.
I’ve heard from a number of fans who think Matz is a can’t miss ace. I’m more inclined to think he is a strong 2-3 long term. Thoughts?
Very good number 2 while wheeler is a 3
I agree with matz being a very good number 2 but wheeler being a 3 is a stretch tbh. Honestly one of the most overrated pitchers there is and he hasn’t even pitched in a long time
To early to say what wheeler is other than hurt. How can he be overrated if he hasn’t played in two years. Matz has what it takes to be an ace but can’t stay healthy long enough to string it all together over a full April-sept whether in the bigs or the minors. That is what limits him.
I agree its way too early to really declare what value wheeler has in a rotation. He played on some pretty bad Mets teams yet to see him play with this squad. But his return next season is more exciting if nothing else. As for Matz he really needs to get his health in order maybe even bulk up a bit every time i see him he looks like a kid they picked up from a long island high school to do a spot start. He’s got the goods lets just hope he can avoid being carl pavano-esque.
I think it remains to be seen. He’s been banged up all season and virtually unable to throw his slider because of the bone spur in his elbow. A healthy 2017 will be telling. I wouldn’t rule out ace ceiling.
His stuff at times looks like an ace, but he’s really a No.2 at best.
colon must be there 1. He is the only one who does have problems
The only one who DOES have problems?
sorry doesn’t
Yeah but the day his return he’ll probably have some sort of injury like deGrom
Please remember two things about Matz. 1)He is young barely having pitched one full season in the
majors . 2) He is left handed and displays incredible control of his pitches for a species which usually requires years to get their stuff together.
Heath is the only thing standing on his way