Mets: Should we be worried about Steven Matz?

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 12: Starting pitcher Steven Matz
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 12: Starting pitcher Steven Matz

Steven Matz has been anything but amazin’ in his first two Spring Training starts.

Matz’s spot on the starting rotation may be in jeopardy after his first two very rough Spring Training outings.

In his first start against the Houston Astros, Matz gave up five runs on three hits and two walks recorded. After a quick first inning, Matz could not record an out in the second inning, eventually being replaced by Corey Taylor.

In his second start, Matz could not get out of the first inning. He only completed 2/3 of an inning after giving up five hits, two walks, and five runs against the Washington Nationals. In total, Matz is 0-2, now posting a lofty 54.00 ERA. He has faced 17 batters, giving up 10 runs collected off eight hits and four walks.

After coming off a year of plagued by injury and only starting 13 games and going 2-7 with an ERA of 6.08, Matz is trying to prove his worth as a candidate for the Mets starting rotation.

As of right now the Mets really need to observe Matz’s next start to determine if he will be apart of their starting five. His four walks in 1 2/3 innings are alarming as he needs to get his control ready. If Matz is available to stay healthy throughout the year, which would be an obstacle as well as he has a history with injuries so far, the Mets will have to think of something else.

Maybe they should have him start the season in the bullpen to get his pitching under control and have him ease into the rotation when he becomes more comfortable with both his pitching and himself.

Matz noted that he is frustrated so far in his performance saying:

“It’s frustrating. Even though it’s Spring Training, you want to see results.”

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The Mets need to be very careful with how they deal with Matz. Even though this situation may be alarming, The Mets should not be worried just yet.

Matz just has to adjust quickly because although Spring Training is not over yet, time is limited, and other guys like Seth Lugo, Robert Gsellman, and Zack Wheeler are there trying to show that they are ready for the starting position. If he cannot prove he is ready to be in the starting five yet he should start the year in the bullpen or if it gets any worse try and start out the 2018 in the minor leagues.