Mets P Steven Matz scratched, postseason availability questionable

New York Mets rookie pitcher Steven Matz was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday with a back injury. His availability to pitch in the playoffs is now in question.

New York Mets rookie pitcher Steven Matz was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday with a back injury, the Associated Press reports.

With the Mets slated to begin the National League Division series on Oct. 9 against the Dodgers, Matz’s availability for that series is in question. It was speculated that he would be called on to start a potential Game 4 behind Jacob de Grom, Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey.

Matz was scheduled to pitch Wednesday against the Phillies, but had his start pushed after waking up with a sore back on Tuesday. Manager Terry Collins said Matz’s discomfort persisted on Wednesday, leading to the scratch, but that Matz could be used as a reliever this weekend to test his back.

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Matz spent more than two months on the disabled list with a left lat strain. This injury is to the right side of his back, and all tests came back negative on Wednesday.

Logan Verrett, who has made four starts for the Mets this season, took Matz’s place on Wednesday. Rookie Sean Gilmartin, who has only been used as a reliever, is slated to fill in for him on Thursday.

Matz, who was the Mets’ No. 1 prospect before his call up on June 28, has a 2.27 ERA in six starts this season for a 4–0 record.

After finishing up their series with Philadelphia, the Mets will close out their season at home against the Nationals.

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- Erin Flynn