Watch CBS News

Steven Matz Throws For First Time Since Being Shut Down, Could Return In A Month

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- One of the Mets' so-called "big four" starting pitchers is working his way back into the rotation.

On Monday, left-hander Steven Matz had a catch for the first time since going on the disabled list last month with a partially torn lat muscle in his left side.

Manager Terry Collins said the 24-year-old threw from 60 feet. The club did not set a timetable for his return, though it stands to reason that he could be back on the mound in a month.

"Very positive, very positive," Collins said in regard to Matz, according to Newsday. "No problems. I saw him the other day and he felt great. He couldn't wait to get back out and start playing catch, which he did today. So that's a good step."

Matz was shut down on July 9 and didn't throw at all over the following three weeks.

The Long Island native made his major league debut on June 28. He only started two games, but made quite an impression. Matz won both decisions, allowing two earned runs on seven hits in 13 2/3 innings. He struck out 14 and walked five.

The organization is going to proceed with caution and not rush Matz back into the rotation.

"It's going to be a little while," assistant general manager John Ricco said, according to Newsday.

Not only would Matz improve the Mets' already brilliant pitching staff, but he would allow Collins to again return to a six-man rotation.

This would help young stars Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard limit their innings, avoiding any possible shutdowns down or the stretch or in the postseason.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.