Mickey Callaway told the press that the Mets have decided to have Marcus Stroman start Sunday against the Cincinnati while pushing back Steven Matz to start off the Mets’ final homestand on Monday against the Miami Marlins.
The biggest reasoning behind this is likely due to Matz’s significant splits when it comes to pitching at Citi Field as compared to anywhere else. At home, Matz has a 1.94 ERA and .646 OPS against him as compared to a 6.62 ERA and .894 OPS against him on the road.
Considering the Mets had an off day on Thursday, this strategy makes a lot of sense given that Stroman will be pitching on his regular four days rest after tossing seven shutout innings in his best start with the Mets on Tuesday. Matz, meanwhile, struggled mightily in Colorado as he allowed seven runs in four innings of work.
Both pitchers are expected to pitch two more times this season, unless the team makes the playoffs, as they are also lined up to pitch in the final series against the Atlanta Braves.
