The Mets need a boost and LHP Steve Matz may be a welcome addition. (Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)
MILWAUKEE — Terry Collins was tight-lipped on the matter, but all indications suggest that the New York Mets will summon top prospect Steven Matz and add him to the starting rotation Friday when the team opens a three-game series with the Reds at Citi Field.
When pressed on the matter after his team’s 2-0 victory over the Brewers on Thursday, Collins offered little insight as to whether or not the rumor, first reported Thursday morning by Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, was true. He also wouldn’t elaborate when asked if Matz would replace a current starter or if the team would go back to a six-man rotation, which Collins tried earlier this season.
“It’s very possible,” Collins said. “Again, we’ll make that announcement tomorrow.”
Matz was New York’s second-round selection in the 2009 draft and has been incredibly successful over four minor league seasons, posting a 24-20 record with a 2.29 ERA in 66 career appearances.
This season, he’s made 14 starts and a relief appearance for Triple-A Las Vegas, and has allowed 22 earned runs while striking out 94 in 90 1/3 innings of work.
Before being recalled Tuesday, Mets catcher Johnny Monell had spent most of his season at Triple-A and was behind the plate for most of Matz’s starts.
“He takes care of his business,” Monell said. “He works really hard. He’s very serious about pitching and he works to get better.”
Of course, for now, it’s all just speculation.
“We’ll talk about the rotation tomorrow,” Collins said.
