Mets general manager Sandy Alderson spoke to reporters today at Nationals Park in DC and addressed some of the issues making headlines over the last 24 hours.
1. Left-hander Steven Matz does have a bone spur in his pitching elbow, but he will attempt to pitch through it. Alderson said the bone spur will not get worse by pitching, but it comes down to how much pain Matz is able to pitch with. Doctors told the team that ultimately, he will likely have the spur surgically removed at the end of the season. He will stay in the rotation, but his next start will be pushed to Thursday’s game against the Cubs at Citi Field. He will also have his pitches monitored and limited.
2. Noah Syndergaard does indeed have a small bone spur in his elbow, “It’s really insignificant and will not force the pitcher to miss any time,” Alderson said. Unlike Matz, Syndergaard’s bone spur will likely not require any surgery.
3. Sandy Alderson announced that right-hander Logan Verrett will start in place of Steven Matz during the series finale against the Nationals on Wednesday. The rest of the rotation will each be pushed back a day, giving them all at least five days of rest.
4. Sandy Alderson confirmed that part of the deal the Mets negotiated with Jose Reyes, stipulates that the team maintains control through the 2017 season at minimal cost. This gives the Mets a low cost bench option next year. Additionally, Reyes is exclusively playing third base during his minor league tuneup and should be able to make his season debut next week.
5. Sandy Alderson estimated that first baseman Lucas Duda is still two weeks away from beginning baseball activity outdoors. Duda remains on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his lower back. He is limited to riding an exercise bike for now.
Bonus Tidbit: Alderson said he is not sure that Yulieski Gourriel makes sense as he will need at least a month in the minors to get ready.
