After Mets pitching prospect Steven Matz finished his outing against the Nationals on Thursday, general manager Sandy Alderson called it “extraordinarily unlikely” and “highly improbable” that Matz will make the Opening Day roster as a left-handed reliever. (Anthony DiComo)
“As Alderson has noted in the past, the Mets want Matz to receive more seasoning in the Minors, where he has spent the past two summers reestablishing himself as a legitimate starting pitching prospect.”
Matz, 23, is likely heading to Triple-A Las Vegas to get some more experience and development time, but when asked about the possibility of breaking into the majors as reliever, the Long Island native didn’t hesitate.
“Yeah I’d be up for it,” Matz said when asked if he would consider a bullpen role. “If they need me in there, I would do it.”
Despite how dire things look right now with the likelihood Josh Edgin begins the year on the disabled list and could miss the season if he opts for surgery, making moves out of desperation is not a road the Mets should travel.
Although Alderson did tell MMO that Matz could debut as a reliever, clearly he’s had a change of heart, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s a good thing.
