Terry Collins told reports today that the results of the MRI on Steven Matz‘s left elbow came back negative.
However, Matz did have a PRP injection and will be shutdown for three weeks. He will open the season on the disabled list.
Zack Wheeler and Robert Gsellman will round out the New York Mets rotation that also includes Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom and Matt Harvey.
Both Seth Lugo and Rafael Montero will fly to New York with the team as the possible longman in the bullpen.
Original Report – March 29
New York Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters on Wednesday, that LHP Steven Matz went for an MRI on his left elbow it now looks like he will not start the season on time. The team may now look to Seth Lugo or Rafael Montero to replace Matz on the Opening Day roster and take his turn in the rotation.
Matz tossed two pitching sessions off flat ground on Monday and Tuesday, but still “felt something in his elbow” after the second session, according to Collins.
Matz, 25, had surgery to remove a bone spur last September and has dealt with several elbow and shoulder issues since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2010. Mets GM Sandy Alderson expressed disappointment over the weekend regarding this latest injury issue.
“It’s worrisome that he continues to be injured off and on,” Alderson said. “That’s the difficulty. We don’t think it’s serious. On the other hand, starting pitchers are relied on every five days. I’m not sure exactly where this is going to take us.”
Matz got hit hard in his last start, allowing five runs on eight hits while striking out one in 4.0 innings pitched.
“You try not to let this stuff bother you, but it’s never fun when you’re getting hit around,” said Matz after his last start. “Fastball command, that’s what spring training is really about. So I’m going to keep hammering away at that. I’m glad I have one more start.”
We will update this post once the results of the MRI are announced.
