According to manager Terry Collins, there’s still a chance that Steven Matz could pitch in Game 4 of the NLDS.
Speaking to reporters at Citi Field this morning, Collins said Matz met with doctors and received an injection in his upper back to try and relax the muscle spasms that have shelved him this past week.
If Matz can prove he can throw 90-100 pitches in an Instructional League game at Port St. Lucie by the middle of next week, he can still be tabbed as the Game 4 starter against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.
October 2
Mets GM Sandy Alderson told reporters that LHP Steven Matz will have his back examined by team doctors and is no longer going to pitch this weekend.
Alderson admitted that he initially downplayed the severity of Matz’ back issue when he said it was just minor discomfort and not really a concern.
“The concern level has definitely gone up,” Alderson explained. “I probably downplayed the severity of it too much.”
Terry Collins added, “Matz is at the doctor right now and not doing a lot better. I don’t see how he’s going to be ready to pitch this is weekend.”
It is now unclear whether or not Matz will be ready for the postseason, but Alderson said it has not been decided yet.
The hope is that he will have recovered and be good to go and if that’s the case it could be he’ll pitch in relief rather than be the game four starter.
We’ll know more after his doctor’s examination is completed and they have a better diagnosis of the problem.
