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New York Mets and the improvement of Steven Matz in 2018
By Mike Marrano
With a year of disappointment for the New York Mets, there has been some good that comes with it. This includes the performance of starting pitcher Steven Matz.
The 2018 season has already been a year where New York Mets fans want to put it all to rest. Injuries have once again plagued the team. The offense has shut down completely at times, supplying no run support for the starting pitchers. They are currently going through 15 straight series without winning a single one.
Once favorite Mickey Callaway looks lost as he tries to do anything to string some wins in a row. The Mets will need to find a new general manager very soon as well, with Sandy Alderson most likely not coming back.
With some very obvious downsides to the season, there are some upsides as well, with one of them being the improvement of Steven Matz.
Before the season, I wrote an article about Matz and his two shaky starts in spring training. He gave up five runs in each of his two first starts, before eventually slowly improving, only giving up four runs combined in four starts.
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His first two starts in July have been solid. In his last start against the Tampa Bay Rays, he allowed one earned run on five hits and three walks over 6 1/3 frames.
Since May, Matz has an ERA of 2.78 and overall 3.31 ERA on the year. Matz has had his season riddled and eventually ended by injury the past three seasons. His ability to stay healthy bodes well for his future.
This season has been a huge year for him and his confidence. Matz has shown not only management and the fans he can still be a useful asset for this team, but to himself. Confidence was an issue early on in the year. That hasn’t been the case of late.
With the possibility of Matz being traded away this season, the Mets will have to decide if they want to get some pieces for him.
Do they deal him just as he’s figuring it out? Or do they keep Matz and roll the dice with him?
Next: Top five Mets first baseman in history
Matz obviously has a place in the big leagues. We just don’t know yet if it’s in New York.