TODAY: Matz has undergone a PRP injection and will not throw for at least three weeks, Marc Carig of Newsday reports (Twitter links). While there’s still no apparent structural concern, that course of treatment seems likely to portend a fairly lengthy absence. Once Matz is able to resume throwing, he’ll still need to build back his arm strength and perhaps progress through a rehab stint.
YESTERDAY: Mets lefty Steven Matz isn’t likely to be ready for the Opening Day roster, skipper Terry Collins told reporters including MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo (Twitter links). The southpaw has been dealing with elbow soreness and is headed for an examination — likely an MRI, per the manager — to further determine the root of the problem. At last check, reports on Matz indicated that there’s no ligament damage in his elbow. Regardless of the upcoming test’s outcome, Matz is a candidate to require at least a short stint on the DL to begin the season.
While New York certainly doesn’t lack for depth options, it is obviously concerning to see Matz again dealing with health issues. Elbow and shoulder problems have limited him of late, with both being addressed (bone spur surgery for the former; a PRP injection for the latter) over the offseason. The talented 25-year-old also wasn’t quite himself this spring, as he recorded only seven strikeouts over 12 2/3 innings, with six earned runs crossing the plate on 16 hits and four walks.
It’s still unclear just what the Mets will do to fill in the immediate void, but Seth Lugo would seem to be a solid bet to step into the starting mix in the absence of Matz. Right-handers Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey and Robert Gsellman all appear to be penciled into the New York rotation at this time. In addition to Lugo, who shined in a strong rookie campaign last season, right-handers Zack Wheeler and Rafael Montero are in the mix for a rotation spot, tweets Newsday’s Marc Carig. Much has been made of the desire to limit Wheeler’s innings this spring after 2015 Tommy John surgery wiped out his last two seasons, though it stands to reason that Wheeler could occupy a starting slot for a brief time early in the year before transitioning to the ’pen.
and it begins……who’s next? I bet it’s Harvey
My money is on Wheeler with a setback and Lugo for the fill-in.
Put him in the Pen. He’s usually good only 4-5 innings as it is. He would be lights out for 2-3 innings.a-la Andrew Miller.
Agreed, he’s awesome in short spurts. That doesn’t always carry over to the bullpen though, due to the countless variables.
Maybe less wear and tear on his arm?
Unfortunately most MLB starters are only good for 4 or 5 innings.
Andrew Miller threw 74.1 innings in 70 appearances last year. This myth that he regularly throws 2-3 innings is not true. That is only a playoff thing.
Matz is hurt? Also, the sky is blue.
and to think we could’ve traded him and lagares for mccutchen
Hahahahahahahahahaha the pirates would NOT have agreed to that trade.
2 years control of a GG outfielder and a potential no.2 starter for a rental that can only play LF now? The Pirates would’ve been dumb to turn that down.
Agreed. A lot of upside for Matz once someone can right him, and if there’s anything PIT does well, it’s figure pitchers out. Lagares could transition to Meadows while providing a nice trade chip when he is ready that could possibly net a nice bullpen piece to provide depth for inexperienced closer in Watson.
Your bias shows so clearly. I will harp on only the positives of these mets players and the negatives of the pirates player.
So the negatives for the Mets is that the two of them get hurt…while McCutchen is losing all his positives due to his decline and he’s also a FA. Careful- YOUR bias is showing!
Matz definitely spends time on the DL…but let’s put that in context:
1. He has pitched 20 games or more (between the minors and majors) for the past 4 years. He may not give you 30 starts, but getting 20-ish starts at 3.16ERA (MLB career ERA) is pretty darn good.
2. He had a 2.7WAR last year, good for T-27th in the NL for pitchers. That’s ahead of guys like John Lackey, Kenta Maeda, Jon Gray, and Alex Reyes.
3. He is a lefty.
PIT would be ecstatic if they could get Matz for only Cutch. The Mets already have enough corner outfielders.
“It’s ok if I start the year on the DL. When I get back they’re going to overuse me, so this is a good way to limit my innings. It’s preventive maintenance. Let’s them burn through a few other arms. I’ve got to protect myself because they won’t”. Look at the team’s track record. “TC” should wear a firemans’ helmet backwards.
Man, you really know nothing.
If you want to talk about misuse- refer to Chamberlin, Hughes and soon Severino.
It’s funny how anyone things tc has a say in innings for his pitchers. He hasn’t done anything to harm his pitchers. He has made many questionable game decisions but I would never fault him for the fragile arms of his staff.
mets players usually get pap smears. have to wait for the results.
Did you get your results yet?