New York Mets left-hander Steven Matz will miss his next start after experiencing soreness in his left forearm following his last start.
Matz, 24, spoke briefly with reporters and downplayed the severity of the situation, saying that skipping his next start was precautionary. “It’s just not worth it to risk it right now,” said Matz.
“Yesterday it was pretty sore,” added Terry Collins. “It feels much better today, but we’re going to err on the side of caution.”
Matz allowed two runs on five hits while walking one and striking out five in six innings in his last start and is 5-1 with a 2.86 ERA and 1.18 WHIP this season.
The Mets have not sent Matz for an MRI, but that could happen when the team returns to New York on Monday in five days.
Right-hander Logan Verrett is tentatively scheduled to start Saturday night in Colorado against the Rockies in Matz’ place. Verrett has been stellar as a spot starter, tossing 12 scoreless innings in two starts earlier this season. He also tossed a gem in Colorado last season.
Additionally, the Mets will go with a four-man bench in Colorado and call up a pitcher for that series to replace Verrett while he makes his spot start for Matz. Eric Campbell would be the odd man out.
One option for a potential call-up would figure to be left-hander Sean Gilmartin. The former reliever has made six starts for Triple-A Las Vegas and is 4-1 with a 2.48 ERA and 1.113 WHIP in 32.2 innings, striking out 34 batters.
