Mets Season in Review: Steven Matz

By Emmanuel Pepis
Aug 14, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next

Can Matz stay healthy for an entire year?

Jun 30, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) reacts after the top of the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) reacts after the top of the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

When Matz is healthy, he’s a firm fixture in the middle of this rotation. As it shakes out with all things being equal, he would probably wind up behind Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey, and Jacob deGrom. That would basically make him the best fourth starter in the league.

Matz brings good velocity from the left side and command that made a steady improvement last season. He is also a guy that has a short term memory off of rough starts. Remember his season opener against the Marlins? Matz didn’t even get out of the second inning in that 10-3 loss on April 11.

What happened on his second turn, six days later? Matz came back with one of his best starts of the season. He spun seven scoreless innings and struck out nine batters, which wound up being his season high while allowing only three hits. That was on the road as well. Oh and the opponent? That would be the eventual American League champion, Cleveland Indians.

With Matz and the rest of this rotation, they would be a top two starter on almost any other team in the league based on merit and/or potential. Matz has already shown he’ll stick in the rotation.

facebooktwitterreddit