Tim Britton of The Athletic reports that the Mets have announced they will skip Steven Matz‘s turn in the rotation before the All-Star Break. There is no injury to report with Matz and he will be available in the bullpen.
Along with this, the Mets already flipped Zack Wheeler and Jason Vargas in the rotation. Wheeler will now start Tuesday, July 2 and Vargas Wednesday, July 3. This allows Wheeler to get two starts before the break. Noah Syndergaard will start on Saturday.
This is an interesting move, given how Matz is coming off a start in which he only lasted two innings. Nevertheless, Matz will get a lengthy break until his next start, as after the weekend series against the Phillies is a four-day break for all clubs.
Strategically, the Mets now have three of their best starters, deGrom, Wheeler, and Syndergaard, lined up to face their division rival Philadelphia Phillies. Adding Matz to the bullpen for the short-term could add some stability in what has been one of the worst bullpens in baseball.
It also gives rival evaluators one more chance to watch trade candidate, Zack Wheeler.
After 16 starts in the 2019 campaign, Steven Matz owns a 5-5 record with a 4.95 ERA in 80 innings pitched.
