New York Mets rookie southpaw, Steven Matz could not get through five innings after being staked to an 8-0 lead in Friday’s 8-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves. After the game, Matz advised he was still dealing with discomfort in his elbow.
Matz went 4.1 innings in what seemed like a sure win for the lefty. He cruised through the first four innings of the ballgame, but hit a wall when entering the fifth. He only retired one Brave while allowing six runs in the fifth, being pulled from the game. Matz gave up nine hits to go with the six runs while walking and striking out none.
“I threw a great four innings, and then it just got away from me,” Matz said, “But we won.” (NY Post)
Steven could be seen rubbing his elbow in the dugout on the SNY telecast, raising questions as to if it again was causing him issues. Matz has complained of elbow issues intermittently throughout the season so far, a troubling thing to hear. Matz though believes its nothing to worry about and didn’t effect him Friday night.
“It’s been tight, but it’s fine,” Matz said. “I was able to throw the ball fine the first four innings.”
It’s curious to wonder if the elbow is a bigger issue than Matz is leading on as he has seemed to struggle in the month of June. This month has been anything but kind to Matz. In the month of June he is 0-2 with an ERA of 5.91 and a 1.59 WHIP.. He has allowed 15 runs, 14 of which were earned in 21.1 innings pitched. Matz also has allowed 30 hits in this same stretch, not exactly the type of numbers you expect from Steven.
Hopefully for Matz and the Mets this is nothing but a rough patch for the southpaw. Matz had been cruising until he hit the month of June, sans his first start of the season. The biggest concern at this point has to be that the elbow issue is a non-issue as Matz looks to get back on track.
