NFT: Matz injured

Anthony DiComo ✔ @AnthonyDiComo
Doctors have assured Steven Matz that this is not a ligament injury. He didn't have an MRI. But the Mets will back off Matz for a few days.

Got to have a good option in case Matz goes down or Harvey isn't ready.

this is happening already. With Harvey not "right" the Mets depth might be tested quickly.

Hopefully this is just a spring thing and he's ready to go on opening day.

About Matz in an interview a while back on WFAN. He was wondering if Matz just has trouble pitching with normal pain associated with being a starting pitcher. He wasn't knocking him, just saying he has to learn how to pitch when your arm just feels a little funny

Wheeler Matz and possibly Harvey.


Montero and Lugo have to be ready

In comment 13406993 Rflairr said:

Quote:

About Matz in an interview a while back on WFAN. He was wondering if Matz just has trouble pitching with normal pain associated with being a starting pitcher. He wasn't knocking him, just saying he has to learn how to pitch when your arm just feels a little funny

Darling said the same thing about Thor last season when Thor was battling arm soreness and getting tested. And Darling is likely correct. The only settling part of this is Matz' injury history. But we already knew this.

In this day and age, with all the injuries to pitchers, every single ache and pain must freak them out. When in reality, I'm sure every pitcher will tell you their arm is sore after starts.

.

The act of pitching is basically the act of injuring your arm over and over. Must be difficult to discern when it's the usual minor injury you recover from with rest and the beginning of a more serious injury.

Harvey hitting 97!

New York Mets

Jose Reyes, 3B
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Yoenis Cespedes, LF
Curtis Granderson, CF
Neil Walker, 2B
Jay Bruce, RF
Lucas Duda, 1B
Kevin Plawecki, C
Matt Harvey, RHP
Atlanta Braves

Ender Inciarte, CF
Dansby Swanson, SS
Adonis Garcia, 3B
Tyler Flowers, C
Jace Peterson, 2B
Mel Rojas Jr., RF
Matt Tuiasosopo 1B
Emilio Bonifacio, LF
Matt Wisler, RHP

This entire first inning.

and touched 97 a few times. Command seems off somewhat, but more curious to see if he can maintain that velocity for several innings.

John Harper @NYDNHarper
Harvey hits 97 with fastball in first inning and crowd here cheers. Velocity improved as Harvey consistently 95-96-97 in 1st inning.

Anthony DiComo ✔ @AnthonyDiComo
Matt Harvey is hitting 96-97 mph today, according to both the stadium and television radar guns. Slowly, his velocity continues to return.

Abbey Mastracco @AbbeyMastracco
Harvey topped at 97 in the first inning. Walked Dansby Swanson but other than that located everything pretty well.

4m

I know that this (and the likely OD) is similar to how the lineup was structured last year when they went on the run, but I don't like Granderson hitting cleanup. I'd prefer to see him in the 2 spot between Reyes/Cespedes. His OBP is better served there and I think it puts him in a position where he will see better pitches.

In the cleanup spot I'd go with Bruce or Walker depending on pitching matchups (the other would hit 5). Cabrera and Duda could be some combo of 6/7 depending L/R preference.

In comment 13407046 PhiPsi125 said:

Quote:

In comment 13406993 Rflairr said: Quote: About Matz in an interview a while back on WFAN. He was wondering if Matz just has trouble pitching with normal pain associated with being a starting pitcher. He wasn't knocking him, just saying he has to learn how to pitch when your arm just feels a little funny Darling said the same thing about Thor last season when Thor was battling arm soreness and getting tested. And Darling is likely correct. The only settling part of this is Matz' injury history. But we already knew this.

TC also said that about Wheeler about a week before he opted for TJ. I worry that Matz is just not very durable.

I also prefer Granderson in the 2 hole. Duda is a much better hitter than Bruce so he should be hitting in front of him. Duda should be cleanup protecting Cespedes. Id use Walker to split up Duda and Bruce. Cabrera is a league average career hitter and should probably be 7th or 8th but if he keeps hitting I might consider hitting him ahead of Bruce also.

1.) Reyes
2.) Granderson
3.) Cespedes
4.) Duda
5.) Walker
6.) Bruce
7.) Cabrera
8.) TDA

and changeups also. Still topping around 96 in the 3rd.

With this stuff and he will get better and stronger.

whine a lot?

splitting the outfielders. Nice to see. :)

2-2. Still all starters in and still facing Wisler.

Considering he's not supposed to be 100% until May some time coming off the surgery he's had who wouldn't be optimistic after seeing what he did today?

Slider, curve, and change all working and a fastball topping at 96/97? Yes please.

?

the Dark Knight version of Harvey might be gone forever. After today I think there is a decent chance he returns.

In comment 13407183 Torrag said:

Quote:

?

Maybe a minor one but so far they haven't really mentioned anything. I bet he could go 180-ish this year without much concern.

I really like the idea of Wheeler joining the rotation mid summer and going to a 6 man for a while. Harvey, Matz, deGrom, and Thor could all use a little extra rest in the dog days. Then somebody can join the pen (Wheeler?) for the stretch run/playoffs assuming everyone is pitching at a high level.

and he's likely heading to Vegas to wait in reserve in case of an injury. Mets made the right decision letting Bartolo walk.

and how he stays healthy.
Link - ( New Window )

in the same day. Harvey hitting 96-97 mph becomes a Cy Young contender barring injury

He's going to make another start next week. It just got pushed back.

pitching the 9th. Could be his future role some day. Nasty today.

Which is fine as long as a bunch of those innings come in October.

I don't expect him to have a long ML career as a starter but if he can give the Mets enough until Sazpucki is ready, that is all they really need.

Mike Puma ✔ @NYPost_Mets
Collins called Smoker a "heavy favorite" to stick in the bullpen based on his spring.

Matt Ehalt @MattEhalt
Terry all but indicated Gsellman in rotation. Planning in case Matz sidelined. Wheeler, Lugo options.

Mike Puma ✔ @NYPost_Mets
Collins mentioned Lugo for bullpen and possibility of Gsellman and Wheeler for rotation as Mets are careful with Matz.

Anthony DiComo ✔ @AnthonyDiComo
Sounds like one option for Mets would be to carry Lugo initially in the bullpen, bumping him to rotation when the team needs fifth starter.

Anthony DiComo ✔ @AnthonyDiComo
Terry Collins also says Lagares' injury may open the door for Conforto to make the team. "If Juan's hurt, Mike's the best option we have."

James Wagner ✔ @ByJamesWagner
Michael Conforto would be on the team and an option in center field too should Juan Lagares (oblique) not be ready, per TC.

Today more than they used to. Not a surprise when you think about how much money they will make once arb and free agent eligible.

In comment 13407314 MetsAreBack said:

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Today more than they used to. Not a surprise when you think about how much money they will make once arb and free agent eligible.

Thats why we have to trade Harvey before he hits free agency

His value is nothing now and if he were to miraculously make it all the way back he holds more value to the Mets during WS competing years than anything we might trade him for. Let him play out his contract, offer a QO, and call it a day. Same for everyone else as well. There's too much uncertainty with power pitching starting pitchers. Enjoy it while we can and keep the pipeline churning.

move anyone suggesting we add Niese (as some on twitter have) be banned from BBI lol

Love the story regarding Mike Chernoff's 6 year old son leaking word of Lindor extension talks

In comment 13407576 DanMetroMan said:

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move anyone suggesting we add Niese (as some on twitter have) be banned from BBI lol

HAAAAA

Incredible that Niese landed us Walker, then allowed us to move on from Bastardo - his two biggest contributions to the team in the last several years.

Nathan opted out of his Nats deal, wouldn't shock me if we contacted him.

here again, but he gave the Mets some really solid years on some bad teams. Sad that his arm gave out when the team finally got good again.

In comment 13407602 DanMetroMan said:

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Nathan opted out of his Nats deal, wouldn't shock me if we contacted him.

I'd give Albers a look personally.
Should be an interesting day of cuts today.

Like today preferably.

100% deserves to be suspended but the way they have handled this is pathetic. Why punish the Mets? Why not give them a chance to prep?