Mets LHP Steven Matz tossed a five-inning simulated game this morning at the Mets Complex in Port St. Lucie.
The rookie southpaw threw 80 pitches and according to Treasure Coast reporter Jon Santucci who was on hand, Matz was consistently hitting 93-94 MPH with his fastball. Definitely a great sign.
Matz told a group of reporters after the outing that his back felt fine and that the team will make a determination on whether he will be added to the team’s NLDS roster after waiting to see how his back responds on Friday.
“I felt really good,” Matz said, according to the Daily News. “I took two weeks off, so I was a little rusty the first couple innings, but I feel really good, really strong. My arm feels great, back feels great. I’m ready to go.”
The Mets have until 1:00 PM on Friday to finalize their NLDS roster.
If Matz makes the cut, he is expected to start Game 4. If not, then LHP Sean Gilmartin will be added to the roster in place of Matz, according to ,Mets GM Sandy Alderson.
October 7
Sandy Alderson told reporters at Citi Field that LHP Sean Gilmartin will be boarding the flight with the team this afternoon as a fallback option in the event that LHP Steven Matz is unable to make the NLDS roster.
Essentially, this means that the Mets bullpen is pretty much set and will include Jeurys Familia, Tyler Clippard, Addison Reed, Hansel Robles, Erik Goeddel, Jon Niese and Bartolo Colon.
Additionally, Carlos Torres will travel to Florida to join the taxi squad of players who will continue to train and stay in shape in case they are needed.
Steven Matz, as I’m certain you already know, successfully threw a side session and a bullpen this week. However what is most paramount is whether he can throw at least 90 pitches in an Instructional League start tomorrow in Port St. Lucie.
Hopefully that goes well and if it does, expect Matz to be the starter in Game 4 of the NLDS at Citi Field. If not, the Mets may just go with Jacob deGrom on short rest or perhaps Bartolo Colon reenters the picture.
I feel confident that no matter how this plays out the Mets are in a good position for that all-important fourth game. The Mets understand that if they are down 2-1 entering that game, how truly critical that start will be. And they seem to be pulling all the stops to make sure Matz has every chance to pitch in that all-important game. There’s a lot riding on that left-handed arm of young Steven Matz.
