Seth Lugo and Steven Matz will return to the starting rotation and pitch next weekend against the Braves in Atlanta, Terry Collins announced on Sunday.
“One of the pitchers will pitch in the second game of the team’s doubleheader in Atlanta on Saturday, while the other will pitch in the series finale on Sunday,” Collins said.
On Saturday both pitchers completed their rehab assignments. Matz allowed five runs on eight hits for Triple-A Las Vegas, striking out five and not issuing any walks in 4.1 innings of work. While Lugo fared better, allowing just one run on six hits in seven innings for Double-A Binghamton.
“I think he just didn’t have his best stuff for whatever reason,” 51s manager Pedro Lopez said about Matz. “He went out there, he competed and kept going after hitters. He just made a couple mistakes up in the zone and got hurt, but for the most part did a good job.”
Both pitchers have yet to make an appearance for the Mets this season.
According to GM Sandy Alderson, right-hander Robert Gsellman will likely be removed from the rotation and go to the bullpen once Lugo and Matz are activated. However, Gsellman will make one last start in the first game of the doubleheader in Atlanta on Saturday.
Here comes the cavalry?
