Rookie southpaw, Steven Matz threw five no-hit innings in the Mets’ 8-1 win over the Chicago Cubs, snapping their 14-game winless streak. In his final tune-up before the 2016 campaign, Matz struck out six, while walking two in what was the best outing of his spring.
“Definitely a good way to go into the season and kind of hit the ground running here now,” Matz said. “I was pretty pleased with the way my slider was working. That’s something that I’ve been using and working on on-and-off for the past year or so. I feel like I’m really getting it to where I need it to be.” (NJ.com)
Matz and fellow starter, Bartolo Colon will possibly be used out of the bullpen in the first two games of the season against Kansas City, manager Terry Collins told reporters on Saturday. With three days off during the first week of the season, Collins hopes working out of the pen will keep Matz fresh until he makes his first start of the season. Matz does not expect any issues having to adjust to the pen this early in the season.
“We’ve done this in the playoffs and we’ve done it last year,” Matz said. “You just go out and do your work, throw your bullpen, do what you need to do on the field and in the weight room, training room. Stuff, it’s going to be there. I feel like I’ve thrown enough innings in spring where I’m where I need to be.”
Matz, 24, should see his first start against the Philadelphia Phillies when they come to town April 8th-10th and the Mets have their home opening weekend at Citi Field. Matz, the sole lefty in the rotation, will look to continue on his strong start in 2015 in which he pitched to a 4-0 record and posted a 2.27 ERA over six games.
He is also eligible for Rookie of the Year award this season as he did not surpass his eligibility in 2015. He should be a strong candidate as the rookie class is not nearly as strong as last season.
