As you know the New York Mets designated Dillon Gee for assignment on Monday. Speaking to reporters at Citi Field shortly after the news broke, Sandy Alderson added some clarity to why the team took the actions they did, what it means, and how this impacts pitching prospect Steven Matz.
“It was a hard decision to make, but right now it’s all about the team and what we need to do to move forward.”
According to Alderson, in the event the team can’t find a trade for Gee in the next 10 days, he can be sent to Triple-A Las Vegas.
“We still think that Dillon is an asset for us and hope he can get himself back because he can be helpful to us.”
The Mets have been trying to trade Gee since the start of the offseason back in November, so trading him now won’t be an easy task with the right-hander owning a 5.90 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 39 innings this season.
Gee, 29, has about $3.5 million remaining on his contract, and apparently handled the demotion like a pro.
As soon as Gee was DFA’d, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Mets would promote Matz the next time they needed a sixth starter around July 1, after which he would remain in the rotation with Jon Niese moving to the bullpen.
However, Alderson immediately put the kibosh on the report and said that Matz isn’t necessarily in line for a spot start the next time the team needs one.
In fact, he said it’s possible that Gee could still return to the rotation if he clears waivers, goes to Las Vegas, and corrects his command issues. That said, he acknowledged that Matz Is certainly closer now than he was last week.
“Does this represent a move up for Steven Matz?” Alderson said. “Probably. At the moment. But we don’t have any immediate plans.”
“So, for example, if Akeel Morris is only here for two or three days, does that mean Steven Matz is going to be here in two or three days? No. Don’t jump to that conclusion.”
The Mets general manager refused to offer a timeline.
“I’m not saying how long,” Alderson said. “Just let’s not create an expectation that doesn’t exist, that shouldn’t exist.”
Finally, Sandy did make one thing clear and that is while he admitted Noah Syndergaard could pitch in relief this season to preserve his innings, that wouldn’t be the case with Matz.
“He’s not going to help us in the bullpen,” Alderson said. “He’s going to be a starter when he gets here, whenever that might be.”
Hopefully this clears up some of the questions or misinformation floating around out there.
