Mets aces make their spring debuts to mostly positive results

Steven Matz made his first spring start Monday against Miami. Matz faced nine batters in two scoreless innings.

He allowed three hits, with no walks, and one strikeout on 39 pitches (24 strikes).

Steven Matz’s short stint with the Mets has been riddled with small injuries. Last year he hit a remarkable streak of pure dominance during the middle of the season.

After his start Monday, Matz looked good. His fastball sat at 91-93 MPH, with a few at 94 MPH. Those speeds were similar to Harvey’s. However, Matz has never been a big, power pitcher, so it was normal.

Matz looked good Monday. Some people think he may make a case for the third spot in the rotation when the season arrives. He had his control and also debuted a new pickoff move that he learned from former Met Scott Rice.

Syndergaard and Matz’s first spring starts were similar. They were nothing that stuck out, like deGrom’s, but they were still good to see.

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Matz rounded out a stretch of the four definitive starters that made their first starts. Matz, also come off an injury, and may have something to prove this season as well. Can he stay healthy and be the Steven Matz we saw at one point last season? He was certainly on the right track today.