The Mets' NLDS rotation continues to be a highly fluid situation. First, we learned that Matt Harvey will likely be limited to one start in their playoff series against the Dodgers, and now comes word that the status of rookie left-hander Steven Matz is in doubt.
Matz first reported back soreness on Tuesday, and he was eventually scratched from his next scheduled start. Now, Matz likely won't appear in the final two games of the regular season, and it's not certain he'll be available to start a potential Game 4 against the Dodgers. Here's what GM Sandy Alderson said on Friday, via the AP:
"I think the concern level has certainly gone up. It hasn't seemed to get better. I probably downplayed it a little too much at the outset based on hope rather than on information. But the fact that it hasn't responded particularly well is concern, but that doesn't mean it won't respond quickly over the next few days. These things are sort of hard to predict."
For now, the plan is to have Matz pitch in Instructional League play within the next few days. How he feels during and after that appearance will likely dictate whether he's available for the NLDS.
The Mets will probably start, in some order, Jacob deGrom, Harvey and Noah Syndergaard in Game 1 through 3. If there's a Game 4 against L.A. and Matz isn't able to go, then veteran Bartolo Colon will likely get the nod.
This season, Matz, 24, has pitched to 2.27 ERA, 3.62 FIP, and 3.40 K/BB ratio in six starts. The former high school first baseman is also batting .286/.286/.357 in 14 plate appearances.
