Mets LHP Steven Matz remains on track to start Friday
The Mets have been without Matz since mid-August
Mets left-hander Steven Matz remains on track to rejoin the rotation on Friday, manager Terry Collins said.
Matz threw a bullpen session Wednesday, after which Collins said he’s “good to go” for the start as of today.
On Tuesday night, Matz rejoined his teammates after spending the last few weeks rehabbing in Port St. Lucie, FL.
Matz has been out since mid-August due to a shoulder impingement.
He last pitched on Aug. 14, when he allowed one hit in 7.1 innings while walking two and striking out eight against the Padres.
Matz has a 3.40 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 129 strikeouts in 132.1 innings (22 starts) this season.
If Matz takes the ball on Friday against the Phillies at Citi Field, he’ll be limited to roughly 50 pitches, Collins said earlier this week.
While that might be an impediment on Friday, Matz would have one more start before the end of the season, where he’d hopefully be able to toss 75 pitches or so.
And if the Mets reach the postseason and Matz is in the starting rotation, he should be able to throw roughly 100 pitches in his first start — while also being on extra rest.
The Mets are up against it a bit with both Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom out for the season. But if Matz returns and is effective, they’ll have a very formidable top-three heading into the postseason.
Noah Syndergaard is in line to pitch the potential Wild Card game, which would likely mean Bartolo Colon in Game 1 of the NLDS should the Mets make it and Matz in Game 2.
Game 3, which would be at Citi Field, would likely be started by either Seth Lugo or Robert Gsellman.
First, the Mets need to get there. And with 11 games left, they find themselves in a three-way tie with the Giants and Cardinals. Time to step it up.
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