Steven Matz (Image Credit: . (Jeff Roberson/AP)
The Mets would like to see Steven Matz be a key member of their starting rotation in 2018. Now if someone can just remind Matz of this, preferably before the Mets begin their season.
Matz, for the second time in as many starts, allowed five runs. He recorded only one out, gave up five hits, and walked two in a 7-3 loss to the Washington Nationals.
It’s only spring training, and he’s working his way back from injury, but the early signs are alarming and familiar.
The Nationals didn’t hit him hard, however the left-hander didn’t help himself by working deep into counts and running his pitch count up.
Mets manager Mickey Calloway, after the game, called his struggles a “bump in the road”. Well, it’s a bump the Mets have seen before.
Anthony’s Perspective
In past seasons, whenever he’s struggled, Matz consistently falls behind batters. All this does is run up his pitch count and make it difficult to pitch deep into ballgames.
The potential has always been there for Matz, however, his inability to stay healthy has been a problem.
With his health concerns and command issues, the Mets have to think about their options for the 26-year old talent. With his history of arm problems, the bullpen doesn’t seem like a good fit. But, as Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News points out in her article, Matz does have an option left and could be sent to the minor leagues. If it comes to that.
Callaway, and pitching coach Dave Eiland, are preaching patience, and as they should because it’s still spring training. But there’s enough depth on the roster to spark debate on what role their lefty should have when the regular season starts.
